Health Care for America Now, until this point somewhat reluctant to go after Democrats on the health care bill, has moved more aggressively now that we are reaching an endgame. Today they released two TV ads, in Nebraska and Arkansas, calling on the Senators there to allow the process to move forward and vote yes on a motion to proceed to debate. While the post mentions both Senators in the respective states, including Republican Mike Johanns (R-NE) and Democrat Mark Pryor (D-AR), this is clearly targeted to Ben Nelson and Blanche Lincoln, and while these ads are focused on the motion to proceed, clearly they are setting a marker to get Lincoln and Nelson to move forward on cloture votes.

Richard Kirsch, the National Campaign Manager for HCAN, released this statement:

Clearly, we want Senators to vote for a bill that guarantees good, affordable health care for our families and businesses, but before we can even get to that step, we need at least 60 Senators to vote to start debate. Regardless of where individual Senate members stand on various aspects of the legislation, it is vital that what has been called the ‘world’s greatest deliberative body’ actually be allowed to deliberate.

The ads will run throughout Arkansas and Nebraska and will cost about $310,000, according to HCAN.