House Democrats’ Staggering Fundraising Advantage Has Major Tactical Impact On House Battlefield
Following NRCC Chair’s Tom Emmer accidental announcement that the DCCC outraised the NRCC by $40 million in 2019 and his stunning admission that House Republicans are in fundraising trouble, DCCC officials discussed the impact House Democrats’ committee and candidate-level fundraising edge will have on the House battlefield.
On Thursday, the DCCC released a memo expanding its offensive battlefield and detailing its strategy to target Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel and Washington Republicans for blocking bipartisan House-passed legislation to lower prescription drug costs.
“The American people already know Democrats are working to protect their health care and lower prescription drug costs,” said DCCC Executive Director Lucinda Guinn. “Our staggering fundraising advantage ensures House Democrats will have the resources to hold Mitch McConnell and Washington Republicans accountable for doing the work of special interests, especially when it hurts hardworking American families.”
“Strong candidate fundraising has a big tactical impact on the battlefield. Candidates are able to purchase TV at a significantly lower rate than committees or outside groups,” said DCCC Political Director Kory Kozloski. “And the kind of strong fundraising Democrats continue to deliver allows them to show voters back home all the incredible work they’re doing in Congress.”
Democrats’ fundraising edge in 2018 played a decisive role in helping them flip 40 House seats and retake he majority.
Kozloksi specifically highlighted the unprecedented fourth quarter fundraising by:
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- Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) who raised $1.2 million
- Max Rose (NY-11) who also raised $1.2 million
- Andy Kim (NJ-03) who raised $900,000
- Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) who raised $900,000
- Joe Cunningham (SC-01) who raised $900,000
- Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) who raised $757,000
During Wednesday remarks at the Ripon Society, NRCC Chairman Tom Emmer detailed just how bad House Republican fundraising has been:
“The one red flag we’re gonna start hitting in the next two weeks if you read about it in the next two weeks. Our members need to get their act together and raise more money. The individual campaigns need to raise more money. They cannot expect somebody else is gonna do it for them. And they’re gonna hear that from me when we come back after the break and we see all the final numbers. That’s the one issue that I think we’re gonna have over the next quarter: is getting these guys moving.”
Emmer’s admission comes as Frontline Democrats continue to release eye-popping fundraising numbers – raising more than $91 million in 2019 with 75% ending the year with more than $1 million cash on hand.