By AP
UNDATED –
The Tea Party Express is kicking off a $250,000 ad campaign targeting U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak for defeat in the November election.
The group says Wednesday it is airing television and radio ads across Stupak's northern Michigan district. The 30-second commercials criticize the veteran Democrat's vote for the health care overhaul.
Stupak was the leader of a small group of moderate House Democrats whose last-minute support helped the legislation win narrow approval.
A spokesman says Stupak is the second-ranking target for the Tea Party group this year, after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
A Stupak spokeswoman declined comment on the ad campaign. The Tea Party Express plans a series of Michigan rallies this week, including several in Stupak's district.