Labor unions cast Boehner as villain

It's not such a wonderful life in "Boehnerville," according to a new television advertisement from several labor groups.

Should House Speaker John Boehner have his way on budgetary matters - including a deal currently being negotiated to avert the fiscal cliff - the result would resemble something more akin to Pottersville than Bedford Falls from the classic holiday movie "It's a Wonderful Life," the groups say.

"Welcome to Boehnerville - where the rich won't pay their fair share, where our children's educations will be cut, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will be put at risk, and the economic recovery would falter," says the ad.

A source close to the labor organizations says the ad buy will be for $250,000. It will run on national cable and in five states, targeting Republican Reps. Erik Paulsen of Minnesota, Rick Crawford of Arkansas, Mike Coffman of Colorado, Scott Rigell of Virginia, and John Fleming of Louisiana. Paulsen, Coffman, Rigell each represent districts that were won by Obama this year.

The ad points out several of the sticking points - taxes, spending and entitlements - tied up in the fiscal cliff negotiations. Sources have described to CNN offers and counter-offers between Obama and Boehner that show the two appear to be compromising on areas important to the other side.

Boehner, for example has put forth a plan that includes some tax increases, though on fewer Americans than Obama favored. Obama offered to change the calculation of the Consumer Price Index, which would impact entitlement program payouts, as well as discretionary spending cuts. Sources described these offers on the condition of anonymity.

"Much like the fictional Mr. Potter, Speaker Boehner wants to hold hard-working men and women hostage, cut their benefits and give more tax breaks to his wealthy contributors," said Chuck Loveless of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The ad is funded also by the Service Employees International Union and the National Education Association.

It encourages viewers to call their representative in Congress "because in America, everyone deserves a wonderful life."

The source did not say for how long the spots will run.