House Dems target 25 GOP members

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Twenty-five U.S. House Republicans are targets of a Democratic radio ad campaign that begins Monday.

The number of Republicans targeted -- including Reps. Steve King of Iowa, Dan Lungren of California, Vern Buchanan of Florida, Sean Duffy of Wisconsin and Joe Heck of Nevada -- coincides with the number of 2012 races Democrats need to switch to regain control in the House, The Hill reported Monday.

While not disclosing the size of the ad buy, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said the ads would air for a week, and the "Drive for 25" would be supplemented with Web ads and a telephone campaign.

"With one year to go until the election, the House Republicans' majority is in peril as it gets freezing cold back at home and Republicans face a chilly response to defending the indefensible," said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel, D-N.Y.

On Thursday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Democrats "have definitely put the House in play," praising the party's recruitment and fundraising efforts.