Liberal Group Takes Aim at Montana Democrat

ABC’s Jake Whitman Reports:  A liberal political group formed to keep Democrats in check is planning to air a new radio spot aimed at Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT, beginning today.

The group, They Work For Us, is urging Baucus to oppose giving President Bush renewed power to try to speed trade deals through Congress.

The Associated Press reports the group will begin airing a new radio spot aimed at Baucus on 13 Montana radio stations for a week beginning this morning.

"The Bush administration, surprisingly with Senator Max Baucus’ support, wants the power to fast track these bad trade deals, costing Montana thousands of good-paying jobs and undermining our state’s rights," the radio spot states.

The group has raised tensions in the Democratic Party with its mission to hold lawmakers in line on issues dealing with health, the work place and the economy.   The group’s WEBSITE carries a headline that reads, "Democrats who vote against the interests of their constituents better find a new day job."

Baucus, who is facing re-election in 2008, favors renewal but has said he wants tougher labor standards and better protections for workers displaced by trade deals. In a bipartisan vote last month, the Montana Senate called on Congress to replace "fast track" with a different system.