WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are blaming an outside group supportive of President Donald Trump for complicating the Senate's effort to replace the health care law.
America First Policies, a politically active nonprofit run by veterans of the White House and the Trump campaign, had been attacking Republican Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada. He had expressed concern about Medicaid cuts in the GOP bill.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told the White House the moves against Heller were "beyond stupid," and Heller brought up the ads during a Tuesday meeting with Trump.
The group pulled its ads against Heller late Tuesday, saying it was pleased he had "come back to the table" to negotiate with his colleagues.
Yet America First Strategies said its role is to defend Trump, not help senators get re-elected.