WRAP-UP CD7 - FOLLOWING MONEY IN ARIZONA'S POLITICS: GOP Successfully Expanded Playing Field

Arizona's Politics tried to pay close attention to the flow of national spending in Arizona's competitive congressional races during the campaign, through our "Following Money In Arizona's Politics" series.



Congressional District 7, encompassing much of southern Arizona, received quite a bit of that attention in the last three weeks. It was supposed to be a walkover for Democratic incumbent Raul Grijalva as he defeated political newcomer Ruth McClung. After a couple of weeks of Republicans talking up the race as possible upset material, the GOP-philic groups started putting money into the race.  On October 15, Arizona's Politics documented the first (and biggest) salvo, by "Americans for Tax Reform."  That set the wheels in motion for more attacks and counter-attacks.

While the young McClung did not win, she - and the GOP-philic groups - certainly did get Grijalva's - and the Dems' - attention.  The official canvass shows that the final tally was 79,935 (50.3%) to 70,385 (44.2%).  (Independent Harley Meyer and Libertarian George Keane each pulled about 4,000 votes.)

CD7 is the second in our series of post-election reviews of where the money came from. (Most of the information is collected from the Center for Responsive Politics - which compiles the required FEC filings. However, totals here may differ from CRP's due to occasionally-confusing coding by the outside group's filings; Arizona's Politics has attempted to catch those (in?)advertent errors. One more note: outside spending reports should be FINAL, as Independent Expenditure groups were required by law to file with the FEC within a day or two of spending; however, post-election reports from the candidates are not yet due. We will produce a final report to include ALL spending on each campaign.


Independent expenditures supporting and opposing the candidates in CD7 only took off in the last 2 1/2 weeks of the campaign.  When the dust settled (and the mud splatted), Democratic incumbent Grijalva was the beneficiary of $850,000 of outside spending, and Republican challenger McClung watched as $586,000 was spent on her behalf. 

As noted above, Americans for Tax Reform threw the opening fistful (of dollars, of mud) when they spent $230,184 to run a TV ad in the Tucson market titled "Working" (watch).  Arizona's Politics Fact Checked it out at a respectable "B+" (which earned some criticism).  The much-discussed U.S. Chamber of Commerce added $161,215 opposing Grijalva, and Sen. John McCain jumped in late with $102,962 worth of advertising and robo-calls. 

Other Republican-philic IE committees involved were: Americans for Limited Government ($22,499), FreedomWorks ($24,534), and Protecting America's Retirees ($29,560).  Smaller actors were: 60-Plus Association ($6,606), Susan B. Anthony List ($2,933), Revere America ($2,901), the NRA ($1,482), Independent Women's Voice ($1,414) and the National Right to Life ($19).

The cavalry riding in for Grijalva was led by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ("DCCC") ($178,154), America's Families First ($302,592), and MoveOn.org (Spanish-language ad) ($145,605).  Behind them were several groups that seemed to devote some of their resources to paying staffers working on Grijalva's behalf: Campaign for Community Change ($108,245), SEIU (union) ($65,000), League of Conservation Voters ($29,725) and Defenders of Wildlife ($18,136).  Smaller actors were: Blue America PAC ($1,998), the Humane Society of the U.S. ($54) and the Sierra Club ($10).

One other interesting note: according to the Center for Responsive Politics, 72% of the GOP IE money in this race came from groups that do not disclose their donors.  In light of the Supreme Court Citizens United decision, that money can come from corporations.  Only 26% of the Democrat IE dollars came from such groups - and 1/3 of that was from undisclosed union members, not corporations.

BOTTOM LINE:  This was a fascinating close-up look at a successful effort by one party to "expand the playing field" and forcing the other to spend money defending a previously-seemingly-safe seat.  Yes, of course Grijalva opened the door with his support of an SB1070-related boycott, and the national climate made it an easy call for the GOP.  But, the Republican-philic groups spent just over half-a-million dollars and prompted the Democrats (and Democrat-philics) to pour in $850,000 that they would have preferred to spend elsewhere. 

And, although the final figures are not yet in for candidates' committees' spending, it is likely that Grijalva enjoyed nearly a 2-1 spending advantage over McClung.  Yet, he barely collected a majority of the votes.


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FOLLOWING MONEY IN ARIZONA'S POLITICS: McCain Makes Last Minute Robo-Calls Across Southern Arizona

Out of habit, I checked the FEC's database this a.m.  Not many 24-hour reports being filed today.  One of the few is that the Friends of John McCain spent several thousand dollars yesterday for robo-calls (aka "message phone calls") on behalf of GOP challengers Ruth McClung (CD7) and Jesse Kelly (CD8). Spent $3,292.40 and $3,923.58, respectively.

This brings McCain's totals on behalf of the two challenging Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords to $102,963.21 and $97,447.62, respectively.



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FOLLOWING MONEY IN ARIZONA'S POLITICS: Last Weekend Expenditures In the Federal Races; DCCC Unveils New Ad Vs. Gosar

There were a LOT of independent expenditure reports filed with the Federal Election Commission this weekend.  But, next to none reflected last minute money coming to Arizona races.

The big Arizona buy was the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ("DCCC") plunking down $3,440.44 for production of an ad against GOP challenger Paul Gosar, and a media buy of $34,725.70.  The DCCC would appear to still be interested in protecting first-term Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.

In other (small) news:
--The League of Conservation Voters and the SEIU each spent about $10,000 on GOTV phone calls for Rep. Raul Grijalva (Dem., CD7).
--On the other side of the aisle, Freedomworks PAC spent $20,103.17 for signs and $439.83 for door hangers to support GOP challenger Ruth McClung (CD7).
--And, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund has continued to devote a portion of four staffers' time to defending Grijalva, for a total of about $2,200.00.

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WATCH: Controversial "McCain Ads" For McClung, Kelly

Sen. John McCain - apparently unconcerned about his own re-election prospects - is spending some of his large warchest to run ads supporting southern Arizona GOP congressional challengers Ruth McClung (CD7) and Jesse Kelly (CD8). These ads are the subject of a formal complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission ("FEC") by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. (Post to follow regarding disclosure issues. Here.)

McClung: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEDoaGQE8_I
Kelly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWYD1JuRYWw

FOLLOWING MONEY IN ARIZONA'S POLITICS: McCain Campaign Claims It Filed Disclosures, None With The FEC

UPDATE: Moments ago, Friends of John McCain filed its required independent expenditure report with the FEC.  Details to come.


The "Friends of John McCain" ads featuring Sens. McCain and Kyl touting GOP congressional challengers Ruth McClung (CD7) and Jesse Kelly (CD8) have prompted the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ("DCCC") to file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission ("FEC").

The complaint suggests that the ads violate campaign finance laws because they are either improper coordinated expenditures benefitting the challengers, or are unreported independent expenditures.

The McCain campaign has told reporters that the ads are neither.  To the Phoenix New Times, campaign spokesman Brian Rogers detailed how there was not coordination.  However, to the Washington Post, they indicate that the campaign did declare them as independent expenditures.  According to the Washington Post, the campaign released "documents showing that it reported the ads as "independent expenditures" to the Senate this week." As the Post next noted, the DCCC complaint states otherwise.

Arizona's Politics has not been able to find any evidence that "Friends of John McCain" reported anything to the FEC.  As readers of this blog know, Arizona's Politics follows the FEC's database of independent expenditures very closely.  Nothing was filed this week - or, in previous weeks.  Friends of John McCain did file its quarterly report last week.  It covers the period through September 30, 2010, so it is unlikely to include these new ads;  however, just to be safe, Arizona's Politics did search the 943-page report for "McClung" (and "Clung", just in case they inadvertently put in a space between the "Mc" and "Clung").  Nothing.

Likewise, Arizona's Politics could not find any evidence that the U.S. Senate has posted some report erroneously filed there.  Regardless, the McCain campaign no doubt knows that it is required to file the report with the FEC.




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WATCH: Controversial "McCain Ads" For McClung, Kelly

Sen. John McCain - apparently unconcerned about his own re-election prospects - is spending some of his large warchest to run ads supporting southern Arizona GOP congressional challengers Ruth McClung (CD7) and Jesse Kelly (CD8).  These ads are the subject of a formal complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission ("FEC") by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. (Post to follow regarding disclosure issues.)

WATCH: DCCC Ad Running Against Ruth McClung

Arizona's Politics reported yesterday on the TV ad buys by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ("DCCC") and Democrat-philic America's Families First ("AFFAF").  The response came a day  after Republican-philic Americans for Tax Reform began airing its quarter-million dollar spot against Rep. Raul Grijalva.

We have not yet located the AFFAF spot, but here is the DCCC commercial which has begun airing in the Tucson market. The ad attacks GOP challenger Ruth McClung for her so-called "radical ideas".  Fact Check to follow.

FOLLOWING MONEY IN ARIZONA'S POLITICS ALERT!: They Can See Clearly Now - Half-Million Dollar Democrat Tuesday In Arizona; Ophthamologists See It Differently

As we get closer to November, the independent expenditures on behalf of or against Congressional candidates will continue to increase. Arizona's Politics will check in regularly on the reports that these groups must submit to the Federal Election Commission.


Our previous reports on Independent Expenditures in Arizona's Congressional campaigns were posted October 19, October 16, October 15 x3, October 13, October 12, October 7, October 4, September 30, and September 28. In addition, on Saturday, we provided a "tote board" of the busy Friday.


Earlier today (Tuesday), we reported on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ("DCCC") - and a Democrat-philic group answering the Republicans' challenge in CD7.  This evening, the DCCC also made media buys of nearly a quarter-million dollars each in CD1 and CD5, where incumbent Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick and Harry Mitchell are facing difficult campaigns.

A new ad was produced ($10,988.00) opposing GOP challenger Paul Gosar (CD1), and $236,770.69 in media time was purchased.  No production costs in CD5, but $237,365.57 of spots bought opposing David Schweikert.

Also late Tuesday, four other outside groups notified the Federal Election Commission ("FEC") that they had spent money to assist Arizona Republicans. (1) the American Academy of Ophthalmologists (spell that ten times quickly) paid $35,292.00 for a direct mail piece favoring Schweikert; (2) Republican-philic group Freedomworks planted $3,990.70 for yard signs for Ruth McClung (CD7); (3) The Republican-philic Susan B. Anthony List sent $10,988.85 for a mailer opposing Kirkpatrick; and (4) the National Rifle Association shelled out $1,481.53 to send out a McClung mailer.


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FOLLOWING MONEY IN ARIZONA'S POLITICS: Dems Engage In Grijalva/McClung Race; Big Direct Mail Piece For Mitchell

As we get closer to November, the independent expenditures on behalf of or against Congressional candidates will continue to increase. Arizona's Politics will check in regularly on the reports that these groups must submit to the Federal Election Commission.


Our previous reports on Independent Expenditures in Arizona's Congressional campaigns were posted October 16, October 15 x3, October 13, October 12, October 7, October 4, September 30, and September 28.  In addition, on Saturday, we provided a "tote board" of the busy Friday


Last Friday, we saw the Republicans - through what we are calling Republican-philic groups - expand the congressional playing field into the heavily-Democratic CD7.  The "Americans for Tax Reform" ("ATR")spent $230,000 on the television ad focusing on Rep. Raul Grijalva's call to boycott Arizona over SB1070 and his vote to recess Congress last month.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ("DCCC") responded the next day with a $62,732.50 commercial expenditure against McClung.  Today, the Democrat-philic group "America's Families First Action Fund" (can we get a duck to quack "AFFAF"?) one-upped ATR with a $250,595.40 ad buy against GOP challenger Ruth McClung.

The Republicans mailed a bit more money to southern Arizona, too.  "Americans for Limited Government" dropped $22,499.22 to design/produce/print/mail a piece to oppose Grijalva.

AFFAF also spent in the six figures in the CD5 race, spending $101,246.00 on a direct mail piece opposing GOP challenger David Schweikert, against Rep. Harry Mitchell.

Another Republican-philic group has gone to the air on the hotly-contested CD1 race.  The "Trust In Small Business PAC" spent $2,489.00 producing a radio spot supporting challenger Paul Gosar against Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, and $13,435.00 on radio airtime.

In smaller expenditure news, the "Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund" spent $207.63 on salary to support Grijalva, and NARAL Pro-Choice America spent a total of $63.00 renting lists favoring the Democrats (Jon Hulburd, Mitchell, Gabrielle Giffords) and opposing the Republicans (Ben Quayle, Schweikert, Jesse Kelly) in CD's 3, 5, and 8. 

Arizona's Politics will attempt to post ads - that are airing - from all races.  If you find one (that is not already up here), please send us the link.  (Same deal for radio, mailers, etc.)



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FOLLOWING MONEY IN ARIZONA'S POLITICS ALERT!: GOP-Group Expands Playing Field Into CD7; Big Ad Buy Opposing Rep. Grijalva

As we get closer to November, the independent expenditures on behalf of or against Congressional candidates will continue to increase. Arizona's Politics will check in regularly on the reports that these groups must submit to the Federal Election Commission. Here are the details for this week's filings.



Our previous reports on Independent Expenditures in Arizona's Congressional campaigns were posted earlier today, and on October 13, October 12, October 7, October 4, September 30, and September 28.

For the past couple of weeks, there has been much speculation about the southern Arizona race between incumbent Democrat Rep. Raul Grijalva and Republican challenger Ruth McClung.  Republicans pushing internal polls saying the race is close and some pundits speculating that the GOP was playing mind games with the Democrats.  Hours ago, the "Americans for Tax Reform" filed a notice that they have dropped more than a quarter-million dollars into a TV campaign against Grijalva.

The ad's title: "Working". The budget for the ad: $10,335.54 for production, $219,848.46 for media time.

Americans for Tax Reform is closely affiliated with the Republican Party, and noted GOP political figure Grover Norquist founded it (in 1985) and serves as its President.








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