RNC: New Ad Compares Bush, Gore Rx Drug Plans

      Not to be outdone by Vice President Al Gore on the prescription drug benefit issue, the Republican National Committee yesterday released another ad comparing Texas Gov. George W. Bush's (R) plan with the vice president's proposal. Titled "Notebook," the ad states: "On prescription medicines, compare: Al Gore will charge seniors a new $600-a-year government access fee. George Bush opposes Gore's $600 fee. Gore's plan: When seniors turn 64, they must join a drug HMO, selected by Washington, or they're on their own." The ad continues: "Bush's plan: Seniors choose, and it covers all catastrophic health care costs. Gore's plan doesn't and has a government HMO and a $600 fee. A prescription for disaster." Running in 17 states -- Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and West Virginia, the ad is similar to an RNC ad released last week (Samuels, NationalJournal.com, 9/20). To view this week's ad, please click here. Note: You will need RealPlayer G2 to view the ad.