GOP Hits Swing Democrats With Shutdown Ads as Blame Game Begins

House Republicans’ campaign arm is targeting 25 vulnerable Democratic incumbents with ads accusing them of threatening to shut down the government.

The digital paid ad campaign comes as congressional Republicans grapple with how to avoid a funding lapse, given their slim House and Senate majorities. Democrats are under increased pressure from their liberal base to be willing to allow a government shutdown — especially after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) faced backlash earlier this year for allowing a Republican-led funding stopgap to proceed. Government funding will run out Sept. 30 unless Congress extends it.

Shutdowns pose political risks to ...