Democrats launch outside fundraising group

By BETH FOUHY Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - Democratic strategists with strong ties to President Barack Obama are launching an independent fundraising group to support the incumbent's re-election.

Former White House aides Bill Burton and Sean Sweeney announced the formation of Priorities USA on Friday. They said the group will battle "extremist right-wing" organizations founded by Republicans, including former President George W. Bush aide Karl Rove who spent millions in the 2010 midterm elections to defeat Democrats.

Obama has spoken out against such independent fundraising efforts even after the Supreme Court cleared the way for unlimited campaign spending by corporations last year.

Priorities USA is one of several Democratic fundraising groups being formed for the 2012 campaign in addition to the $1 billion Obama is expected to raise for his re-election.