Dems hit the airwaves over Iran

VoteVets Action Fund is launching a $250,000 ad campaign Wednesday targeting Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), a retired Navy SEAL, for supporting a Pentagon request for $200 billion in additional spending on the war in Iran while gas prices remain elevated. The 30-second spot, running during sports broadcasts and digital platforms, accuses Van Orden of backing cuts to Veterans Affairs care—a charge he disputes—and argues Trump is spending heavily abroad while ignoring domestic affordability crises. Democrats are weaponizing the Iran conflict as a midterm strategy, with other groups including Battleground Alliance PAC planning similar attacks in swing districts across Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio. An Ipsos poll released Tuesday found two-thirds of Americans want the U.S. to end involvement in Iran regardless of achieving all stated goals, and 56 percent expect the conflict will negatively impact their personal finances. VoteVets plans to expand its Iran campaign into other battleground districts with a focus on GOP veterans, betting that voter backlash over war spending and rising costs will hurt Republicans in tight House races.