GOP super PAC launches $10 million campaign against Democratic senators.
Recently, a wave of attack ads has been unleashed against Democratic U.S. Senate candidates in key competitive races, with the intention of casting doubt on their support for one of President Biden’s key legislative achievements.
One of the major pro-GOP super PACs, AFP Action, has initiated a $10 million ad campaign targeting Democratic senators Jon Tester of Montana, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, and Rep. Elisa Slotkin of Michigan, who is vying for her state’s U.S. Senate seat.
Among these candidates, Tester and Brown are perceived as the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents, while the rest find themselves in closely watched competitive races despite recent polling indicating a lead over their Republican opponents.
Most of the attack ads focus on critiquing the candidates for their backing of the Inflation Reduction Act, a $1.2 trillion legislation passed in 2022. AFP Action asserts that the measure has led to an additional financial burden of roughly $1,000 per month for the average American family due to the inflationary impact of federal spending authorized by the act.
For instance, the ad targeting Casey censures him for supporting 98% of Mr. Biden’s priorities and contributing to inflation-driven price hikes, encouraging viewers to rally behind his Republican challenger, Dave McCormick.
Casey has defended the legislation by emphasizing its role in reducing health care costs. He stated that the Act has benefited Pennsylvanians, citing statistics such as reduced insulin costs for Medicare beneficiaries and lower health care Marketplace premiums for residents of the state.
The ad targeting Brown highlights his lengthy tenure in elected office and blames his vote for the act for driving up inflation, thereby increasing costs for Ohio families. The ad praises his GOP rival, Bernie Moreno, as an alternative. Brown, on the other hand, has justified his vote by pointing out the savings his constituents have experienced in health care and energy expenses, as well as the potential job creation in Ohio as a result of federal investment.
Nathan Nascimento, Director of AFP Action, criticized these Democratic senators for aligning with the Biden-Harris administration’s progressive agenda, leading to economic challenges. He expressed disbelief at their desire for a second chance by characterizing their actions as detrimental to the economy.
AFP Action, affiliated with Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group known for its divergent stance from former President Trump, has transitioned its focus to congressional races after withdrawing its endorsement of Nikki Haley’s presidential run. The organization has been involved in over 500 state races, with a heavy emphasis on supporting conservative causes and candidates.
This latest round of attack ads is just a fraction of the substantial financial resources set to be expended by numerous super PACs in support of both Democratic and Republican congressional candidates. Amidst an already crowded political ads marketplace, these groups have secured ad time at lower rates to ensure their messages reach as many voters as possible.
