The Role Of Money Ahead Of The 2018 Midterms

Democratic candidates for Congress are reporting historic fundraising totals ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, putting their Republican opponents on edge. Meanwhile, former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon and a super PAC linked to him are working to unseat incumbent Republicans. Our guests look at the role money is having on political campaigns.

According to POLITICO, at least 162 Democratic candidates in 82 Republican-held districts have raised more than $100,000 in 2017. That’s more than twice as many as the GOP had at this point eight years ago on their way to taking back the House in 2010. In addition, nearly three dozen Republican incumbents were outraised by Democratic challengers in the third quarter of this year, and nine GOP incumbents trail a Democratic opponent in cash on hand – including Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin’s sixth Congressional district.

However, while certain Democratic candidates appear to be in good financial shape, the Democratic National Committee is struggling to raise money. Donors are not writing checks and many operatives are concerned they’ll be unable to compete in next year’s midterms and in 2020, according to POLITICO.

As Bannon recruits challengers to incumbent Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Sunday called him a specialist “at nominating people who lose.” A super PAC with ties to Bannon has been throwing its support behind candidates who oppose McConnell as majority leader, such as Kelli Ward in Arizona over Senator Jeff Flake. It also endorsed Wisconsin Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson of Delafield over state Senator Leah Vukmir. In a statement, Vukmir said she’s not focused on “hypothetical leadership races a year from now.” The winner faces Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin.

What’s your reaction to the role of money in today’s politics? Have you donated or would consider donating to a candidate or super PAC? Call us at 1-800-642-1234 or email ideas@wpr.org. You can also tweet us @wprmornings or post on the Ideas Network Facebook page.