If it wasn't already apparent, the Democrats are worried about losing the midterms, and it's crystal clear now as wealthy Democrats pour money, not into the favorite candidate for their party, but their least favorite Republican. In an attempt to take down "moderate" conservatives, or the biggest competitors to Democrats, post-primary political action committees are boosting pro-Trump or "more extreme" Republicans. It's strange, but is it also genius? Is it legal?
Who are the Targets?
The Patriot Freedom Fund, registered on May 6, has been hard at work over the last few weeks, targeting takedowns. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, a contender for Nevada's governorship, has one of the biggest targets on his back. The PFF PAC hopes to chop Lombardo at the knees before his primary on June 14. He is thought to have a strong chance of winning in the general election, which is precisely why the Democrats don't want him to win the primary.
But how can anyone be sure this Patriot Freedom Fund is Democrat-backed? The sly and cunning organization won't have to reveal any spending or contributions until about a month after the primary election because of how late they registered. The group was filed with the secretary of state by the ex-husband of a Democratic lawmaker. Sounds suspect, right?
Their radio ads have labeled the attorney general candidate of NV, Sigal Chattah, the "MAGA conservative" who "supports laws to ban abortion." Fellow contender Tisha Black, who appears the strongest Republican contender, has called the PFF out for being a "Democratic Super PAC" as they try to ensure she never makes it out of the primary, accusing her of financially supporting Democrats in the past.
Colorado, Too
To help Democratic Senator Michael Bennet in the general, Democrats are meddling in Colorado to advance a Pro-Trump, "MAGA" Representative Ron Hanks. Hanks believes former President Trump won in 2020 and that all abortions should be illegal. He's raised a measly $38,000. That is until Democratic Colorado, a liberal super PAC, threw $800,000 at him. Hanks' primary opponent, Joe O'Dea, has the confidence of his party, and the best shot at flipping the Senate seat in November.
So why are Democrats getting involved? What's making them sweat? President Biden won the state of Colorado by double digits in 2020, but his approval ratings are in the toilet. A GOP strategist and former legislator supporting O'Dea thinks the Democrats' plan is "brilliant." He said, "if Democrats spend $1 million to help Hanks win the GOP primary, that will save them $20 million in the general." Not a bad trade-off if you're willing to get dirty and a little ethically blind.
Is It Legal?
It may blur the lines of right and wrong, but this is politics. As long as these PACs and donors follow campaign finance rules, it's legal. Politics isn't sunshine and rainbows, and the gloves come off when your party is at risk of losing power.
However, the Republican National Committee has taken legal action against the Patriot Freedom Fund PAC. Their attorneys sent a cease and desist letter to the PAC, accusing them of meddling in the Republican gubernatorial primary. The letter specifically accuses the PFF of trademark infringement, using the RNC's elephant logo on mail and paraphernalia "without permission or authorization from the RNC,” which “constitutes willful trademark infringement."
The abuse of the logo makes it clear, from the RNC’s point of view, that the PFF is interfering with the primary elections in Nevada. But even if the Patriot Freedom Fund stops operating, much damage is already done. These mentioned races are not isolated events. It's not a few races being targeted; Democrats are dropping millions across the country.
For months, political experts have predicted Congressional power will flip in November, and Democrats have scrambled to come up with solutions. As previously reported by Liberty Nation, the White House is preparing to soon announce $10,000 in student debt relief. As predicted, this "break glass in case of emergency" policy would be used to help push voters left in the fall. Using Democratic money with a Republican appearance to torpedo strong GOP candidates was not something less cynical people might have expected liberals to do. However, you're bound to get dirty to win when you prioritize money and power over anything.
