Obama's Political Arm to Air Health Care Ads Targeting Recalcitrant Democrats

As President Obama attempts to mobilize support for a health care reform bill among his own party members, his party is launching health care ads mostly targeting Democratic senators who have been reluctant to cooperate.

Organizing for America (OFA), the grassroots arm of the Democratic National Committee, funded the TV ads that declare, "It's time for health care reform."

The ads will run on national cable stations and in Florida, Maine, Indiana, Nebraska, Louisiana, Arkansas and North Dakota, states represented by moderate Democratic senators who have balked at the cost of overhauling the health care system.

The ads reflect the division among Democrats over one of Obama's top domestic priorities and the lengths some are willing to go to see the president's goal achieved.

The ads come as House Democrats push to pass a partisan bill through committees, while in the Senate a small group of lawmakers continue to seek a deal that could win support from both political parties.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was not pleased with the OFA's effort.

"I think it's a waste of time," Reid told reporters. When pressed for more details, Reid could hardly contain his disdain.

"It's a waste of money to have Democrats swinging against Democrats," he said.