Vulnerable House Democrats, fearing backlash, play up party disharmony in courting wary voters

Vulnerable House Democrats work to hide party ties

LAS VEGAS — Congress’ most vulnerable Democrats are declaring their independence from party policies in Facebook profiles, television ads and campaign websites leading up to the November elections.

The rebranders include Democratic Reps. Dina Titus in Nevada, Betsy Markey and John Salazar in Colorado, Zack Space in Ohio, Jason Altmire in Pennsylvania, and Glenn Nye in Virginia.

In Texas, Rep. Chet Edwards, once promoted as a potential running mate for Barack Obama, has become a vocal critic of his party’s policies.

Strategists say the tactic could hurt Democratic turnout just as the party needs to protect its majority in Congress.

Many of the Democrats are defying party leaders on leading issues such as health care.