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The Huffington Post Exclusive:
WASHINGTON -- The newest health care advocacy campaign already has millions of dollars in the bank. Launched by Democratic lawmakers and reform proponents, the two-part program is meant to frame the debate around the law during the 2012 election cycle.
On Thursday, Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Mass.), former Gov. Jim Doyle (D-Wis.) and several Democratic operatives launched the latest variation of a pro-health care, non-governmental organization. The project has a dual track: a 501c(3) group, called "Know Your Care," to promote the Affordable Care Act, and a 501c(4) group, "Protect Your Care," to lobby on the law's behalf.
The project already has a healthy fundraising stream, a source familiar with the campaign told The Huffington Post.
The $5 million launch figure gives an early indication that the organization will succeed where other health care advocacy groups have failed: primarily, in turning the tide of public and political opinion in the law's favor.
In addition to the money, Know Your Care brings some high-profile names to its staff: Patrick and Doyle will serve on the board. Neera Tanden, who worked on President Obama's health care task force team, will be on the board as well; Paul Tewes, Obama's state director for the Iowa caucuses, will serve as senior adviser; Tanya Bjork, a former top adviser to Doyle, will serve as campaign manager; Jim Margolis, a top ranking communications consultant, will serve as the group's media adviser; Eddie Vale, a former top hand at the AFL-CIO, will be communications director; and John Anzalone, a major Democratic pollster, will do the polling.
"Our efforts here are to really to make sure that this is a factual debate and that the facts are out there," said Doyle. "It is critical that people understand what the benefits of this act are, and I look forward to making sure those facts are known across the country."
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