Scoop: Dems target GOP "cowards" for avoiding town halls

• The DNC is targeting nine of the most vulnerable House Republicans with a billboard campaign launching Wednesday — as they prepare to hold their own town halls featuring top Democrats in the same competitive districts.
• Minnesota Governor and VP candidate Tim Walz kicked off the town hall campaign over the weekend in Iowa and Nebraska.

Zoom in: The new DNC billboards will say that lawmakers "won't talk to his/her constituents," and include the member's office phone number — urging people to call and demand a town hall.

The campaign will target:

• Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.)
• Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.)
• Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.)
• Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa)
• Rep. John James (R-Mich.)
• Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.)
• Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.)
• Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.)
• Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. (R-Pa.)

What they're saying: "Republicans are refusing to meet with their constituents after voting to take away health care and make it harder for families to put food on the table," DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement provided to Axios.

• "If Republicans won't show up, then Democrats will," he added.

The other side: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-N.Y.) postponed book tour is undermining the argument, and the Democratic infighting is giving Republicans fresh fodder this week.

• Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has urged Republicans to emphasize Democratic dysfunction while home in their districts.
• "Chuck Schumer had to cancel his book tour because he is being protested by the radical left over a clean CR," a top Cotton staffer wrote in guidance to congressional aides this week, according to an email obtained by Axios.