Independent group targets Reid over gas prices

The American Future Fund, a conservative-leaning advocacy group, has launched a hard-hitting radio advertisement targeting U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Searchlight) on the issue of gas prices.

The ad, first reported in several news outlets last week, takes Reid to task for his opposition to offshore drilling.

“Reid says no to energy exploration in Alaska and off our coasts. And no to the safe development of our massive oil shale reserves,” an announcer says in the 60-second spot. “But Reid says yes to higher energy taxes, that consumers will wind up paying. Call Harry Reid at 202-224-3542. Tell him to allow the Senate to vote on S. 3202 - and drill for oil right here - right now.”

The spot is airing on radio stations throughout Nevada and in Washington, D.C. Tim Albrecht, a spokesman for American Future Fund, said the organization had reserved about $40,000 in advertising time.

American Future Fund launched in March with a television advertisement touting U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), who is in a heated re-election contest against Democratic satirist Al Franken. The organization drew immediate notice for its staff of top Republican operatives, many of whom had roles in Mitt Romney’s failed presidential campaign. It is expected that American Future Fund will be active in Senate contests this fall.

The ad targeting Reid is raising at least a few eyebrows. The Majority Leader, though a favorite Republican punching bag, isn’t facing re-election until 2010.

“Right now we want Harry Reid to know that people are watching and listening and that it’s not acceptable to send the Senate home without getting anything done with regard to energy legislation,” said Albrecht.

Reid’s office did not respond to a call seeking comment.