FreedomWorks launches PAC ahead of 2016

The conservative free-market group FreedomWorks launched a political action committee (PAC) on Thursday, the latest sign the group intends to be a major player backing Tea Party-aligned candidates in the 2016 cycle.

The PAC will provide resources to the Senate and House candidates it believes are “true defenders of freedom and are committed to the core FreedomWorks principles of limited government and more freedom,” the group said in a statement.

{mosads}“Over the last few cycles, we have learned from our successes and disappointments,” FreedomWorks PAC Chairman Adam Brandon said in a statement. “In evaluating these races, we came to the conclusion we must do more to ensure the success or our endorsed candidates. In addition, our community of over 6.9 activists has made it clear that they are ready to do whatever it takes to help our endorsed candidates win their races.” 

The move potentially sets up some high-stakes showdowns between establishment and grassroots conservative Republican candidates in the primaries.

There are already a few races where the group has signaled it intends to play. 

In Arizona, FreedomWorks has been pushing Rep. Matt Salmon to challenge Sen. John McCain in a primary.

And in Florida, the group has said it’s been urging Rep. Ron DeSantis, a Tea Party favorite, to get into the race to replace Sen. Marco Rubio in Florida. 

“This time around, we’re going to be working with our community to maximize our impact in these races,” Brandon said. “We are fully committed to not only supporting pro-freedom candidates, but also protecting those candidates from the deep-pocketed K-street lobbyist community looking to defeat them.”