NEW ORLEANS_An organization that says it wants to reduce the influence of big money in Congress is targeting Sen. Mary Landrieu for her position on a health care reform issue.

The organization Change Congress is attacking Landrieu for her opposition to forming a government health insurance program that would compete with private insurance companies, an option favored by President Barack Obama.

Change Congress suggests that her position is influenced by $1.6 million in campaign contributions from health care and insurance interests.

"Sen. Landrieu makes policy decisions based what is best for the people of Louisiana, not campaign contributions," Landrieu press secretary Aaron Saunders said in an e-mail response to a request for an interview. He did not dispute the $1.6 million figure.

Change Congress cites a June 9 article in the online Huffington Post in which Landrieu is quoted as saying she is "not open to a public option" and that she backs a bipartisan proposal that doesn't include such an option.

"Sen. Landrieu supports a predominantly private system that features a federal backup plan that serves as a safety net," Saunders said Monday.

He added: "As the debate proceeds, Sen. Landrieu is open to compromise in a comprehensive legislative package, and is focused on appropriate consumer protection and patient-centered care."


Change Congress is a nonpartisan group that lists as its founders Lawrence Lessig, a professor at Stanford Law School who advised Obama's campaign on technology issues, and Joe Trippi, a political consultant who has worked for several high-profile Democrats.

The group's chief executive, Adam Green, said Monday that Change Congress uses pressing domestic issues to demonstrate the potential influence of monied special interests on policy makers in Washington.

Landrieu was targeted on the health care issue because, Green said, "Those who appear to be most at odds with their constituents on this issue are Democrats who are opposing that public option. That's what's driving our strategy at this point."

Change Congress agrees with those who believe the public health insurance option would ensure coverage for Americans, provide competition to private insurers and hold down costs. Nationally, Republicans have opposed such a plan. Some Republican critics have said it will lead to a completely government-run health insurance plan. Some lawmakers have been considering a possible compromise that involved a cooperative program that would enjoy taxpayer support without direct governmental control.

Green said Change Congress would begin its campaign with advertisements on Web sites aimed at Internet users in Louisiana. Direct mail and television ads are also planned.