With millions of campaign dollars already having been poured in the contentious congressional race in Florida’s 18th congressional district, why not throw in another measly $1.3 million?
The Congressional Leadership Fund super PAC has committed to spend $1.32 million on digital and TV ads to help the eventual Republican congressional nominee defeat the Democratic congressional nominee in the general election.The seat leans Republicans, but has been held by Rep. Patrick Murphy (D) since he defeated then-Congressman Allen West (R) in that election years toughest, and ugliest congressional contests.
Murphy narrowly beat West.
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With self-funding Democrat Randy Perkins willing to spend as much as $5 million of his own cash to win, there is no doubt that Republicans are scrambling to raise the money needed to counter Perkin’s deep pocket.
The House GOP PAC money is only the tip of the political iceberg. Expect a lot more outside money to make its way down to south Florida.
Here are the Total Receipts numbers of money raised (as of 8/23/2016) by the Republican congressional candidates in this race:$1,360,983-Brian Mast
$1,036,655-Rebecca Negron
$1,837,338-Dr. Mark Freeman ($1,550,756-personal loan)
$516,525-Carl Domino ($457,897-personal loan)
$623,317-Rick Kozell (pictured)$230,302-Noelle Nikpour
Here are the Democrats:
$3,730,616-Randy Perkins ($2,017,687-personal loan and in-kind contributions)
$626,653-Jonathan Chane ($133,000-personal loan)
Perkins is expected to win his primary race, while the Republican contest could come down to the wire.While Negron is enjoying district-wide name recognition because of her name, Freeman has been blitzing the district for months, and could eventually become the nominee because of his spending spree.
And then there is Brian Mast, the candidate Democrats fear the most in a general election.
Mast’s story resonates with all Americans. So, if the double-amputee veteran and father of three wins the primary race, there is a very good chance he will be able to garner the support of a large portion of Independent voters, as well as moderate Democrats in the general election.
Because of how it appears to be playing out on the ground, the Republican primary election results could look something like this:
1st-Brian Mast2nd-Mark Freeman
3rd-Rebecca Negron
4th-Carl Domino
5th-Rick Kozell
6th-Noelle Nikpour