Ad tries to press key Republicans

Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine and the two other Finance Committee Republicans in the "Gang of Six" trying to come up with a bipartisan health bill are under pressure from the right not to give away the store.

The conservative Club for Growth launched TV ads targeted at Snowe, Mike Enzi of Wyoming, and Charles Grassley of Iowa.

The spot notes the key role the three senators are playing. "There's no harm in talking," the announcer says.

But the announcer then warns that what Democrats are talking about includes a government-run health plan, bureaucrats deciding coverage, new regulations that would kill small business, and tax hikes.

"Tell Senator Snowe not to cave in to the liberals on health care," the announcer concludes.

The Gang of Six had a conference call Thursday night, and according to the Washington Post, they agreed to continue working toward a bill that could win support from the rank-and-file in both parties, despite increasing reports that Democrats and President Obama are prepared to go it alone, if need be.

The group agreed to talk again on Sept. 4, three days before Congress reconvenes after its August recess, the Post said.