Pro-war group targets GOP lawmakers

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. pro-war group has begun a $15 million ad campaign targeting members of Congress who have expressed opposition to continuing operations in Iraq.

Freedom Watch, a group that includes former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, is taking aim at Republicans who have spoken out against the conflict or voted against Iraq-related measures, The Hill reported Thursday.

Republicans targeted by the group include Reps. Heather Wilson, N.M.; Jon Porter, Nev.; and Jim Gerlach, Pa.; and Sens. Olympia Snowe, Maine; Richard Lugar, Ind.; George Voinovich, Ohio; and John Warner, Va.

The group professes to be "dedicated to fighting to protect the ideals and issues that keep America strong and prosperous." The ads sponsored by the group aim to refocus debate on Iraq to threats posed to U.S. security.

One of the group's first ads features an Iraq veteran with two prosthetic legs urging viewers to contact their representatives in Congress and encourage them not to limit or stop the war.