Organizing For Action Ad Buy Targets GOP Lawmakers On Background Checks

Organizing for Action, the pro-Obama advocacy group formed last month out of the president's reelection campaign, is launching an online campaign urging Republican lawmakers to support universal background checks for gun purchases.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the ads will target 16 Republican lawmakers who have not publicly committed to stricter background checks, including Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) in ads on local news outlets' websites starting Friday. The LA Times reports that the group spent close six figures on the ad buy, which is the issue-based nonprofit group's first.

The ad launch coincides with the group's national "Day of Action," which encompasses 100 events in 80 congressional districts. According to the LA Times, Friday's events are aimed at building support for tougher background check standards, but future "action" days will focus on other aspects of the president's gun policy proposals.

"These events range from Letter to the editor writing parties, or rallies and press events, to candle light vigils and petitions for members of Congress," OFA spokeswoman Katie Hogan told The Hill. "These events were tailored by our supporters on what they thought was the best event for their community."

A bipartisan group of senators is currently negotiating background check legislation, which would expand the process for vetting gun buyers.

"It's coming along pretty well," Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said last week of the proposal. "We're hopeful."

Recent polls have shown overwhelming public support for expanding the background check system. A Quinnipiac poll released earlier this month found that 92 percent of Americans, including 91 percent of gun-owning households, support universal checks.