Pro-Democrat independent groups gearing up

WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- A new television ad blasting likely Republican presidential nominee John McCain is only the beginning of liberal "independent group" ads, union officials say.

The spot, produced independently of Illinois Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign, financed by the liberal activist group MoveOn.org and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, features a young mother with a baby criticizing McCain's determination to keep troops in Iraq. It began airing Tuesday in Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan, USA Today reported.

Pro-Democrat labor union leaders told the newspaper they have assembled millions of dollars for so-called independent group advertising. The AFL-CIO said it has raised $53.4 million for the presidential and congressional elections and will enlist more than 250,000 volunteers to get out the vote. Meanwhile, the Service Employees International Union plans to spend $80 million on presidential and congressional elections, Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger said.

The newspaper reported its analysis indicates outside "independent" groups have spent more than $25 million since Jan. 1, 2007, with more than 70 percent going to support Democratic candidates.