The focal point of a recent ad campaign targeting vulnerable House Republicans is a leftist activist who has openly backed Democratic opponents, as reported by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The advocacy group, Unrig Our Economy, launched a $1 million ad campaign aimed at Republican Pennsylvania Rep. Rob Bresnahan on July 8, criticizing his votes, particularly regarding Medicaid cuts. The 30-second advertisement involves Krysten Xanthis, who appears to challenge Bresnahan’s actions without revealing her affiliation as a registered Democrat. She previously supported Bresnahan’s predecessor, former Democrat Matt Cartwright.
Xanthis expresses her discontent with Bresnahan in the ad, claiming he misled her regarding Medicaid cuts. “He told me he wouldn’t cut Medicaid,” she says. “But then I was furious to find out he’d vote for the largest cut in history.” While this narrative is striking, it overlooks her own history of political activism.
A quick review of her voter registration indicates that she has ties to the Democratic Party, having been elected to the local party governance body in 2022. Interestingly, her claim of working for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has been disputed by a DNC spokesperson noting no record of her employment.
Bresnahan, who took over from Cartwright, represents a politically mixed district. His current re-election bid is rated as “Lean Republican.” Cartwright recently announced he would not pursue his old seat in the upcoming elections.
Unrig Our Economy is funded significantly by a “dark money” organization, the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which has paid substantial sums to support liberal initiatives. According to tax returns, this fund contributed approximately $8 million to Unrig Our Economy from 2022 to 2023 for “capacity building.”
The ongoing ad blitz serves as a prelude to what is expected to be a vigorous campaign focusing on Republican Medicaid policies in the mid-terms, particularly in districts where Medicaid enrollment is high. Research suggests that around a quarter of residents in Bresnahan’s district are enrolled in Medicaid.
Republicans, including Bresnahan, have consistently countered Democratic claims about supposed Medicaid cuts. They argue that reforms, which may include new work requirements, are generally favorably viewed by voters. Bresnahan stated, “Anyone who qualifies for Medicaid will continue to receive benefits. Our goal is to support truly vulnerable individuals while ensuring a fair system.”
NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole criticized the Democrats, alleging their attacks on Bresnahan are simply a strategic move to instill fear in voters. Meanwhile, Xanthis has been vocal about her objections, criticizing Bresnahan on social media after he voted for the President’s legislation.
In a dispersed public history, Xanthis has participated in various pro-Democratic events, and her social media reflects support for left-leaning political figures. Despite her apparent activism, the current political landscape remains contentious, and the repercussions of Medicaid reforms loom over Bresnahan’s re-election campaign.
Activists argue that if Republicans proceed with their Medicaid reforms, individuals like Xanthis could lose their healthcare coverage. However, discussions about these reforms highlight the potential risks and requirements for maintaining eligibility, which aim to prevent abuse of the system.
Overall, the political chess game continues, driven by deep-seated divisions and contrasting visions for healthcare in America.
