The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a conservative corporate lobbying group based in Washington, D.C., has launched a $400,000 negative ad blitz against Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who could become the first openly LGBT member of the U.S. Senate.  The early spending is designed to shape public opinion of Baldwin, the only major Democrat running, while several GOP contenders duke it out during their party’s primary race.

“Electing Tammy Baldwin to the Senate is important to LGBT Americans.  For far too long we’ve gone without an authentic voice for our community in that chamber – nobody to speak from experience about what it means to face discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  It’s unfortunate that groups like the Chamber want to stand in the way of progress,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

Victory has launched a drive to help defend Baldwin and build her rapid response fund.