Koch-linked veterans group launches ads in Senate battlegrounds

A conservative group with ties to the Koch network is launching a digital ad campaign in three Senate battleground states, highlighting Republican candidates’ support for veterans issues.

{mosads}Concerned Veterans for America unveiled three new ads Wednesday in support of Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) that tout their support for reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and legislation granting the secretary of that department the authority to fire senior executives.

The veterans group also released a fourth ad, which attacks Rubio’s opponent, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.), for voting against the VA Accountability Act.

“Patrick Murphy has abandoned his responsibility to support veterans,” Bob Martin, a veteran who served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, says in the ad.

The group — which is part of the massive donor network helmed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch — has previously poured money into some races like these that could determine Senate control next year. The group launched a $700,000 TV and digital ad buy earlier this year praising Heck’s support for VA reform. Heck faces a tough race against former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto (D) for the state’s open seat.

Last year, the group also launched a $1.5 million TV, digital, and direct mail ad campaign backing Toomey for his work on veterans issues. The GOP senator faces a difficult reelection race against former gubernatorial chief of staff Katie McGinty (D).

Democrats need to net four seats and retain the White House in order to take control of the Senate. They are only defending 10 seats, while Republicans have a much steeper battle, protecting 24 seats.