GOP targets vulnerable Dems on EPA rule

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) is launching a robocall campaign tying vulnerable Democratic incumbents to Monday’s proposed carbon emissions limits for power plants.

Starting Tuesday, the group will call swing voters in Louisiana, Colorado, Alaska and Virginia, where the NRSC said incumbents have not done enough to stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule. The NRSC is citing estimates from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that the rules could cost 224,000 jobs a year.

{mosads}According to the NRSC, Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) have supported other carbon emissions regulations backed by Democrats and the Obama administration, including cap-and-trade.

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) has given money to Democrats who support the regulations and supports Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the calls say. All senators are facing reelection.

In statements Monday, Landrieu said she opposed the regulations, Udall said he supported them and Warner and Begich did not take positions.

The NRSC robocalls are only one of the ways in which Republicans are attacking Democrats over the power plant rule.