U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., is getting some help from a group with ties to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Fla.
The American Action Network (AAN) announced on Friday that it was going to run ads focusing on the conservative leadership of 16 members of Congress in keeping America safe and in economic and fiscal responsibility, including Buchanan. Most of AANs efforts will be with digital ads but it also includes TV ads in some districts and phone banking operations.
The group defines itself as an 'action tank' that creates, encourages and promotes center-right policies based on the principles of freedom, limited government, American exceptionalism, and strong national security." AAN's primary goal is "to put our center-right ideas into action by engaging the hearts and minds of the American people and spurring them into action to advance our center-right policy agenda. Former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., chairs AAN and the group has ties to Boehner.
Many in Congress have been fighting for a strong conservative agenda, from policies that keep America safe to ones that instill greater fiscal and economic responsibility, said AAN President Mike Shields on Friday. We want their constituents to know about their strong records, and encourage constituents to support this agenda by calling and thanking their representatives for fighting for a safer, stronger America.
Buchanan, the only Floridian on the House Ways and Means Committee, is the only congressional representative from the Sunshine State included in AANs campaign. Three congressmen from Texas, and two from both California and Pennsylvania are also included in the campaign. AAN is focusing on defending some of Boehners main allies in the increasingly divided Republican caucus, including U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., and U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-Minn.
This marks AANs second entry into Florida politics this week. AAN tried to pressure U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., a major critic of Boehner, on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding vote. Yoho, along with most Republicans, voted against the funding since no push back against President Barack Obamas executive action on immigration was included.
Buchanan was targeted by Democrats in 2012 but he held off former state Rep, Keith Fitzgerald that year. In 2014, Buchanan had a far easier time with his Democratic opponent. Buchanans name has received some attention as a possible Senate candidate if U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., decides to run for president instead of a second term.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
