Center Forward, a centrist group previously known as the Blue Dog Research Forum, announced Monday that it will begin running a $1.25 million ad campaign on deficit reduction in eight House districts around the country.

The group, led by former Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.), is airing ads on behalf of Democratic Reps. John Barrow (Ga.), Ben Chandler (Ky.), Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Jim Matheson (Utah) and Mike McIntyre (N.C.) as well as GOP Reps. Tim Huelskamp (Kan.), David McKinley (W.Va.) and Todd Platts (Pa.). Barrow, Chandler, McIntyre and Matheson are facing competitive races, Donnelly is running for Senate, and Platts is retiring.

“Americans know we’re drowning in debt, but some politicians just don’t get it. They want to essentially end Medicare, increasing costs on seniors,” the announcer says. “Ben Chandler knows there’s a better way. It’s why Chandler opposed a dangerous plan to privatize Medicare and supports balancing the budget by cutting wasteful spending while protecting Medicare for those who’ve earned it after a lifetime of hard work.”

The group said its primary purpose is to facilitate constructive dialogue in Washington, D.C., on the critical issues facing the country.