The Hill reports:

Advocates for manufacturers and small businesses are launching a multimillion-dollar ad campaign against climate change legislation in states represented by senators likely to determine the bill’s fate.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), groups that have historically leaned Republican, are targeting the House Waxman-Markey bill as a threat to the economy because it would raise energy costs.

“Our message to senators is that the Waxman-Markey bill is an ‘anti-jobs, anti-energy’ piece of legislation,” said Jay Timmons, NAM executive vice president.

Perhaps they know something the rest of us don’t or they suspect that as health-care reform has ground to a halt lawmakers may show renewed interest in cap-and-trade. But really, does anyone think Congress is going to pass, let alone vote on, this anytime soon? Blue Dogs in the House were left whimpering after being forced to cast a tough vote with no appeal in their home districts. Senators from energy-producing and/or Red States show no interest in the bill. Sen. Robert Byrd from coal-producing West Virginia has denounced it.

Interest groups often need to prove their relevance and show their members all the ads and mailings they are putting out to advance their cause. But on this one, business groups might save their money for the fight whose conclusion is not yet certain–healthcare reform. On cap-and-trade, I think it’s safe to say there aren’t 60 senators, and maybe not 50, to vote for it.