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McConnell says attack ads against GOP senator were ‘beyond stupid’

Senator Dean Heller of Nevada (center) at a meeting between GOP senators and President Trump. Alex Wong/Getty Images

WASHINGTON — Some Republicans are blaming an outside group supporting President Donald Trump for the unexpected delay Tuesday of a vote on a Senate health care proposal.

America First Policies spent four days on a pull-no-punches campaign against Republican Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada, beginning shortly after he surprised members of his own party with a Friday afternoon press conference denouncing the Senate plan as written.

America First is a politically active nonprofit run by a former White House aide and Trump campaign veterans.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told White House chief of staff Reince Priebus that the group’s attacks were ‘‘beyond stupid,’’ according to a Republican with knowledge of the exchange. The person demanded anonymity to share the private conversation.

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The group took down the ads Tuesday night.