Dems ditch ad slamming GOP on healthcare

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Committee said it will pull a TV ad using support of some U.S. Republicans to criticize other Republicans on healthcare reform.

The decision came at the request of former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., The New York Times reported Sunday.

The ad, which features Dole and other Republicans expressing support for healthcare reform, was posted on the Internet Saturday and was scheduled to air on television Monday but Dole objected to the ad and asked the White House to spike it, a spokesman for Dole said.

"He believes it is deceptive, it was not authorized, and he asked that it be pulled," spokesman Michael Marshall said. "He was told late (Saturday) night by the White House that it would not run."

A DNC spokesman confirmed Sunday the ad will not run, the Times said.

"We have great respect for Senator Dole and his commitment to reform," the spokesman said. "As soon as Senator Dole's concerns were communicated to us, we immediately agreed to pull the ad."

Democrats in Washington have made frequent use in recent days of endorsements such as Dole's for healthcare reform as part of the political campaign to pass legislation over the objection of Republicans -- and some conservative Democrats -- in Congress.