Ad targets Etheridge, misses

A national liberal group is airing a TV ad urging Rep. Bob Etheridge to support President Obama's budget.

The ad, which begins airing in Raleigh tomorrow, praises the Lillington Democrat, but argues he's being pressured to oppose it by special interests.

"When it comes to creating and protecting jobs, Congressman Bob Etheridge has always stood up for the people of Carolina, but now special interests in Washington are squeezing him to oppose the president's budget."

The ad urges viewers to call Etheridge and urge him to support the budget. 

In a press release, the group says it is airing five ads "in the districts of 'Blue Dog' Democrats who serve on the House Budget Committee."

While Etheridge serves on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he is not on the House Appropriations Committee nor is he a member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

The ad is being run by USAction, a grassroots liberal group.

Update: A spokeswoman for Etheridge says he is on the Budget Committee.

"Rep. Etheridge supports the priorities in President Obama's budget proposal, and agrees with the President that by investing in education, clean energy and health care we can transform our economy," said Joanne Peters. "Rep. Etheridge looks forward to working on the House Budget Committee to produce a budget resolution that will invest in these priorities and return the country to a path of fiscal discipline."