FreedomWorks Ad Campaign Asks: “Have the Blue Dog Democrats Lost Their Bite?”

The “Blue Dog” Coalition in Congress is a group of legislators that claim, according to the group’s own website, to have “a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States,” but they have yet to speak out against the Dodd-Countrywide housing bailout bill currently before Congress.

FreedomWorks will be hitting the air, newspapers, and the internet with advertisements in targeted markets all over the country highlighting how the Blue Dog Democrats commitment to fiscal responsibility is at odds with the Dodd-Countrywide bailout bill. Following the July Fourth recess, Congress will resume debate on the issue.

The Dodd-Countrywide bill would create $300 billion in new taxpayer liabilities, allow banks to dump their worst performing and riskiest loans onto the FHA, and create a $500 million new tax on GSEs to fund a permanent new spending program. The bill has also been surrounded by scandal since it was revealed that Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) received a preferential VIP loan from Countrywide at rates not available to the general public.

Also tucked into the bill is a provision that will require a variety of companies to report electronic sales to the government. The Dodd-Countrywide bill would require every credit card company and online payment system to report transactions to a new government controlled database, raising tremendous privacy and ethical questions.

An excerpt from the radio ad explains:

“Blue Dogs in Congress say they’re committed to the financial stability of the United States, but they have yet to speak out against the massive housing bailout currently in Congress.

This legislation would increase the deficit by $22 billion and make it harder for Americans to buy new homes.

If the Blue Dog Coalition is serious about fiscal stability, its members must publicly oppose this taxpayer funded bailout. Call the Blue Dog Leadership at 1-866-887-5841 and urge them to publicly oppose the housing bailout bill!”

This is the latest effort by FreedomWorks to educate the public on the pitfalls of the Dodd-Countrywide bailout bill. To date, FreedomWorks has placed over 300 ads in 18 markets, with a total reach of 4,200,000 listeners in 23 states. FreedomWorks grassroots activists have made thousands of calls and emails to members of Congress opposing the bill, and will visit town hall meetings and make district office visits during Congress’ July 4 recess.