In a stunning and desperate move by Democrats, the 2018 midterm election strategy, not surprisingly, will include healthy wads of cash to replace their missing message to the electorate. In other words, it’s a realistic reenactment of the 2016 presidential and congressional election. And nowhere is this more evident than in the Golden State of political fruits and nuts, California, where a June 5 primary election looms.
Three districts, full of hopefuls, are the recipients of millions of dollars spread around by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) in an effort to thwart Republicans – or so one would surmise. But we’re dealing with a loosey-goosey chaotic effort by the losing team, attempting to pull a win with the same tactics that failed oh so miserably a short time ago.
The DCCC is flooding California’s districts 39, 48, and 49, currently Republican held, with money – $1.6 billion to date – intending to weed out a heavily Democratic candidate field.
Method to the Madness
California’s whacky primary system is mostly to blame for Democrats turning on each other. It throws all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, into battle where the top two vote getters move on to the general election.
After the Democratic National Committee (DNC) was found to have rigged their 2016 primary against the progressives’ beloved Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), candidates came out in droves in direct conflict with the establishment. Who didn’t see that coming?
But as a plethora of options is great for the electorate, it spells fear for the Democratic Party by a watering down focus on the prize.
Money, Money, Money
Gil Cisneros
Nearly 40% of $1.6 has been allocated to candidate Gil Cisneros in the 39th District. Cisneros, a Navy veteran and lottery winner, is clearly a darling of the establishment. A friend of Michelle Obama, he is one of the few anointed ones who the DCCC has placed into their “Red to Blue” program, which supports candidates with both financial and administrative support. It’s almost like hitting the lotto again.
In his quest to fill the seat of retiring Representative Ed Royce (R-CA), a battle with 16 contenders, Cisneros has managed to raise the wrath of one: insurance executive Andy Thorburn. The temper tantrum slam-fest between the two supposedly adult men became so contentious the California Democratic Party and the DCCC had to broker a deal to cease the mudslinging.
Oh, and then only Cisneros was awarded a financial prize; the DCCC dropped an additional $285,000 into an ad buy for the lucky guy.
In other targeted races, the insurgence of cash and support proceeds a tad more tranquilly. OpenSecrets.org ferreted out this up to date financial report on District 48, where $3.2 million of outside money is in play:
“In the 48th District, the DCCC this year has spent over $1 million opposing Republican candidate Scott Baugh. About $485,000 went to a Washington, D.C.-based media consulting firm last Thursday, according to FEC filings.
The DCCC backed real estate executive Harley Rouda in the 48th District race earlier this month as part of its “Red to Blue” effort to flip vulnerable Republican seats nationwide.”
The watch continues on District 49, as $3.3 million is aiding candidates who wish to replace Representative Darrel Issa (R-CA), who announced his retirement a few short months ago. This race, replete with seven aspirants, is still anyone’s game – in other words, no one knows where to toss the filthy lucre – and both Democrats and Republicans could feel the searing disappointment of a shut-out come close of polls June 5.
The Red is Ahead
In a recent poll by Reuters, 38.1% of registered voter respondents said they would vote for a Republican candidate if midterms were held today, versus 36.7% for a Democrat. The Hill reported:
“For the week ending May 20, pollsters also found that Republicans held a nearly 6-point advantage over Democrats. That marked a 9-point swing from the previous week, when Democrats held a 3-point lead among registered voters.”
Granted, these are national polls that don’t necessarily reflect the wants and needs of California voters. But it does bode well for a strong showing by Republicans nationwide in the midterms. It is no wonder the cash is flowing.
But will all this money win the race?
