Republicans seem to be gaining ground with more than a month to go before the midterm elections. There’s even the remarkable story of a Republican ahead by six points and likely to win a House seat in the deep-blue territory in Rhode Island for the first time in 30 years.
But while we have this good news for Republicans, there is bad news for Democrats.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Executive Director Tim Persico is saying that he doesn’t know if they’re going to have enough money. He said there “are places that I don’t know if we are going to be able to get to” to assist Democrats. “We are just getting outspent everywhere, so it is just a question of how much can we withstand.” He said that was going to leave them making tough choices about potentially winnable races.
This quote, from the executive director of the DCCC, is wild. https://t.co/OYl6hXfLMN
— Max Cohen (@maxpcohen) October 7, 2022
Remember — we reported this week that more than 60 House Democrats have still not paid a cent in dues to the DCCC. pic.twitter.com/aNxGY1lqFb
“The relative shortfall in outside spending is likely to leave some Democratic incumbents in contested races at sharp advertising disadvantages while restricting the party’s ability to compete in open seats or to unseat Republican incumbents,” concluded The Post based on conversations with Dem groups.
They are in trouble again as the numbers improve for Republican candidates.
Democrats pointed to a TV ad spending advantage by Republican outside groups, which have the flexibility to move money around the House landscape strategically in the final weeks. The benefit has become alarming as recent changes in the national mood have put more seats in contention for Democrats, who find themselves hamstrung by the Republican advantage in donors on the GOP side.
Another Democrat strategist said that the inability to adequately fund primary races could prove to be the difference between winning and losing control of Congress, or between keeping Republicans to a five-seat majority and a 15-seat majority. “I don’t think it is hyperbole to say at this point that money is going to make the difference,” said this person, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk more freely about strategy.
It seems that they are in big trouble when it comes to such decisions. And maybe they know that they’re going to get blown out and they’re trying to blame money rather than their policies, their lousy candidates, or the folks in the DCCC.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is trying to spread confidence, telling Stephen Colbert that they will hold the House. But even Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer disagrees with her. He said she was going to lose. But what it’s coming down to is just how badly are they going to be blown out when this is all over.
