Boehner-linked super PAC to spend $3.1 million in three Democratic districts

Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

A super PAC linked to House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) plans to spend $3.1 million in three Democratic-held districts as it looks to bolster the GOP's efforts to gain seats in the lower chamber with four weeks left until the midterm election.

The Congressional Leadership Fund is targeting Reps. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.) and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), the group told The Washington Post. All three Democrats face competitive reelection contests.

The group will spend $1 million on broadcast TV in Schneider's suburban Chicago district. It plans to spent $1.6 million in Shea-Porter's district and $500,o00 targeting Brownley. The spending in those two districts could cover mail, television and digital advertising efforts.

The new round of spending comes as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee just adjusted its ad buys to prioritize playing defense in some key races as it pulled back in other offensive opportunities.

House Republicans hold a 17-seat advantage and are in no danger of losing their majority. Republicans could gain seats and pad their majority, given President Obama's deep unpopularity.

The Congressional Leadership Fund has spent $5.9 million this election cycle across seven districts, including its latest investments.