'Americans United' Will Give Democrats A Stronger Voice

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Democrats Get Boost From Advocacy Group

http://www.startribune.com/587/story/203755.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - In an effort blessed by the top Democrats in Congress, a freshly retooled political organization is launching an election-year drive to highlight issues such as congressional reform, education and health care.

Americans United "will use all the campaign-style tactics which characterize political campaigns,'' ranging from paid advertising to grassroots organizing, according to a memo describing the group's plans.

A formal announcement was scheduled for Wednesday.

Americans United seeks to shape public opinion on issues such as health care, homeland security and education rather than advocate for the election or defeat of specific candidates in the November elections. As a result, it is permitted to accept donations of unlimited size from donors, and is not required to disclose the names of its contributors. It is headed by Karen Olick, a former chief of staff to Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and will rely on several other Democrats with long experience in political campaigns.

Brad Woodhouse, a spokesman, said the new group hopes to employ the tactics of the predecessor organization that helped block Bush's Social Security plan.

full article: http://www.startribune.com/587/story/203755.html