Washington ? The liberal group MoveOn.org is airing television ads around the country criticizing Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback and other Republicans for supporting President Bush’s plan to send more troops to Iraq.

But Brownback is the only GOP presidential hopeful on the record against a troop increase.

The ad shows a photo of Brownback with the word “escalate” next to his mouth. An announcer scolds Brownback and other Republicans for voting earlier this week to block the start of debate on a nonbinding resolution that disapproves of Bush’s plan.

“A majority of Americans oppose escalation in Iraq,” the voiceover says. “Yet instead of allowing a vote on escalation, the Republicans blocked the debate. They’re willing to send tens of thousands more troops to face danger in Iraq, but they don’t have the courage to face a vote. Tell Senator Brownback: stop the escalation.”

Tom Matzzie, Washington director for Moveon.org, stands behind the ad.

“They stalled the vote and therefore stalled the Senate from disagreeing with the president,” Matzzie said. “And Brownback participated in that.”

Despite Brownback’s repeated statements opposing escalation, Matzzie said the senator’s vote to delay debate is “sending the message to the president that it’s OK to escalate in Iraq.”