Democrats' ads target 6 GOP House members

WASHINGTON, July 6 (UPI) -- Democrats have purchased newspaper ads in the home districts of six Republican U.S. House members, trying to link them to allegations of ethical improprieties.

The ads say it is time for the Republican lawmakers to "start working for us" rather than answering to special interests, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. The ad buy was made by the Democratic Congressional Campaign committee, which is looking to use the allegations are a steppingstone to regaining a majority in Congress.

Among those targeted is House Majority Leader Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas., who has been linked to a lobbyist under investigation. DeLay says he's done nothing wrong, or nothing other members of Congress have also done, and has asked the House ethics committee look into the charges.

Others on the Democrats' ad list are: Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif; Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio; Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Calif.; Rep Rob Simmons, R-Conn.; and Rep. Charles Taylor, R-N.C.

Republicans told the Post the Democrats are making a mistake by using a negative campaign rather than focusing on a positive agenda.