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Planned Parenthood targeting GOP

Talks of defunding Planned Parenthood followed a controversial edited video from which politicians are saying that the organization took fetal tissues and organs and sold them for profit. Planned Parenthood has announced that it is launching an ad campaign targeting vulnerable GOP senators in response.

The ads will run in the home states of Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), all of whom face tough reelection races next year.

All four senators voted in favor of legislation to defund the health organization. Republican senator from Illinois Mark Kirk was the only Republican senator to oppose the motion, and he faces one of the most difficult reelection races next year. He is not targeted.

Republicans have launched multiple inquiries and have sought to end federal funding. Planned Parenthood receives roughly $500 million in annual federal funding.

Some Republicans, notably Ted Cruz, have said they are willing to shut down the government over this issue.

Congress must pass a new government-spending bill before the end of September to keep the government funded. Lawmakers are expected to approve a short-term bill that would continue existing levels of funding, including for Planned Parenthood.

“First Pat Toomey voted to defund Planned Parenthood — risking healthcare for millions of women,” the Pennsylvania ad says. “Now Republicans want to shut down the government — to block funding for Planned Parenthood. What would a shutdown mean for Pennsylvania?”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) earlier this month resisted calls in his party for a shutdown fight over Planned Parenthood funding, pointing out that past efforts like the 2013 shutdown over Obamacare failed.