91.   While Thompson said alleged Republican abuses should be examined as well, he stressed that Democrats started using issue ads long before the GOP.

92.   Alexander, for example, used his PAC to pay for issue ads in Iowa and New Hampshire before he entered the race.

93.   As long as the group produced issue ads that avoided endorsing candidates, it could spend without limits.

94.   Bush was asked Wednesday for his thoughts about the prospect of Republican issue ads.

95.   Instead, his bill requires those running issue ads to identify themselves better.

96.   It can be used for issue ads and party-building activities.

97.   Ney also requires more disclosure but does not restrict the broadcasting of issue ads before an election.

98.   Opponents also argued that the measure should cover other nonprofit organizations that engage in issue ads.

99.   The intense use of issue ads by party committees is a relatively new political phenomenon.

100.   The group will lobby lawmakers on clean-air issues and also air issue ads meant to influence congressional races, spokeswoman Mona Taylor said Wednesday.