By Bill Cotterell
Florida Capital Bureau
Originally published September 9, 2010

A conservative organization representing older Americans announced plans today for a nearly $400,000 advertising campaign opposing the re-election of U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello.

The 60 Plus Association, which bills itself as an alternative to AARP, focuses on Boyd’s changed vote on national health care. He opposed the initial House version last year but voted for the revised plan that was signed by President Obama.

Republican Steve Southerland of Panama City has been vigorously attacking Boyd on domestic policy and economic issues. The national Republican Party has the 2nd congressional district on its list of potential gains in its effort to pick up at least 39 House seats, the number required to take over the chamber.

The 60 Plus ad features a series of residents criticizing Boyd for voting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and the Obama Administration on some issues.

With his vote for health-care reform, he threw thousands of seniors into a one-size-fits-all plan they didn’t want,” said Jim Martin, chairman of 60 Plus, in announcing the ad campaign. “With his vote for the so-called stimulus package, he led the nation toward a jobless ‘recovery’ that forced many to file for their Social Security benefits early — jeopardizing the entire system.”

The 60 Plus Association, based outside Washington, claims to have nearly 5.5 million supporters. It said the anti-Boyd ad will begin airing today across the Panhandle and Big Bend congressional district Boyd has represented for 14 years in Washington.

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