Dole Gets DNC Health Reform Spot Pulled

Ad citing former GOP senator's support 'backhanded,' he says

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 11, 2009 8:00 PM CDT

(AP) – The Democratic National Committee is canceling a television ad touting GOP support for health care reform after protests from one of the Republicans mentioned, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. Dole is quoted saying: "I want this to pass...We've got to do something." The former Kansas senator told ABC that he complained about the ad to White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, who told the DNC to kill the ad.

The ad quotes a series of Republicans saying the health care system needs to be reformed, then accuses current GOP congressional leaders of "siding with the insurance companies." "I just didn't think it was fair, when I've tried to be helpful in encouraging a bipartisan solution, for the DNC to run an ad that I interpreted and I know others did as a backhanded comment about Republicans," Dole said.

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Former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole. (AP Photo)

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. (AP Photo)

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The offending DNC ad. (firedoglake)

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We have great respect for Sen. Dole and his commitment to reform. When Sen. Dole's concerns were communicated to us we immediately agreed to pull the ad. - DNC spokesman

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Dole Gets DNC Health Reform Spot Pulled