AFL-CIO plans anti-McCain drive

WASHINGTON, July 10 (UPI) -- The AFL-CIO hopes to drive a wedge between Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and union members who also are military veterans in a new six-state TV ad, officials say.

Union leaders have targeted 15 media markets in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, hoping to reach members inclined to support the expected Republican presidential nominee because of his war record, the Hill, a Washington political publication, said.

The ad will emphasize McCain's opposition to increased veterans healthcare funding and minimum-wage increases.

It will run in towns that have lost industrial production and jobs such as Flint and Marquette in Michigan; Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown in Ohio, and Johnstown, Pa.

The three-week television ad campaign is the first major action of the new veterans' council.