The Koch brothers are freeing up the RNC to focus their efforts on Donald Trump with another large investment–through Americans for Prosperity–on ground game efforts to defend vulnerable Republican congressional candidates. An infusion of Koch dollars to hire staff and provide canvassing materials relieves the RNC, NRSC and NRCC of a significant financial burden. Under a deal struck with the RNC, Trump is almost entirely dependent on funds raised jointly with the national party. The less money needed to defend House and Senate seats, the more money can flow back into the Trump camp.
“The Kochs’ dramatic increase in spending on competitive Senate and House races through Americans for Prosperity is a boon for Donald Trump,” said Eddie Vale, Bridge Project vice-president. “With virtually no campaign, Donald Trump is entirely reliant on the RNC’s infrastructure. Every dollar the Kochs spend propping up vulnerable Republicans frees a dollar for the RNC to spend in support of Donald Trump.”
Background
AFP’s July quarterly report is out along with 48 hour independent expenditure reports– The quarterly report (covering through the end of June) indicated just under $92k in spending against Ted Strickland, with a 48 hour i.e. report showing a total of over $340k after July spending; a $45k total against Katie McGinty through June increased to nearly $60k with July spending. $20k against Russ Feingold increased to nearly $60k when including July spending.
New July targets include Colorado’s Morgan Carroll ($50k) and Nevada’s Catherine Cortez Masto ($5.5k).
48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report: AFP Reported Paying Over $50,000 In Spending In Opposition To Colorado House Candidate Morgan Carroll. According to a 48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report to the FEC, Americans for Prosperity reported paying $7,322.00 to Wizbang Solutions on 7/11/2016 for door hangers in opposition to Colorado house district 6 candidate Morgan Carroll, with a reported year-to-date total of $50,536.16. [48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report – FEC, 7/16/16]
AFP Reported Paying Over $8,500 In Spending On Staff Salaries In Opposition To Colorado House Candidate Morgan Carroll. According to a 48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report to the FEC, Americans for Prosperity reported spending $8,766.93 on staff salaries on 7/11/2016 in opposition to Colorado house district 6 candidate Morgan Carroll. [48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report – FEC, 7/16/16]
AFP Reported Paying Over $7,000 In Spending On Door Hangers In Opposition To Colorado House Candidate Morgan Carroll. According to a 48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report to the FEC, Americans for Prosperity reported paying $7,322.00 to Wizbang Solutions on 7/11/2016 for door hangers in opposition to Colorado house district 6 candidate Morgan Carroll. [48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report – FEC, 7/16/16]
AFP Reported Paying Over $1,300 In Spending On Canvassing Expenses In Opposition To Colorado House Candidate Morgan Carroll. According to a 48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report to the FEC, Americans for Prosperity reported spending $1,365.00 on canvassing expenses on 7/11/2016 in opposition to Colorado house district 6 candidate Morgan Carroll. [48 Hour Independent Expenditure Report – FEC, 7/16/16]