Koch-backed group to target some Republicans over spending vote in new ad campaign

A conservative group backed by billionaire donors Charles and David Koch is preparing to launch a six-figure ad campaign targeting Republican and Democratic lawmakers who voted for the $1.3 trillion spending package in March.

Americans for Prosperity will drop the radio, print, digital and direct mail ads in the lawmaker’s districts as they arrive home for Memorial Day weekend.

The Koch network is typically supportive of Republicans but they have been deeply disappointed by the GOP-controlled Congress this year. Lawmakers passed the massive spending bill but have failed to move on the Koch network’s legislative priorities, such as immigration reform.

“It’s time to take a hard look at what lawmakers say, and what they actually do when it comes to reining in overspending,” said AFP spokesman Bill Riggs. “The $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill passed by Congress in March showed a complete disregard for fiscal responsibility. Both parties are responsible for putting the country on an unsustainable fiscal path, which is why AFP is committed to holding both parties accountable.”

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The Republicans who will be targeted by the ad campaign are Reps. Hal Rogers (Ky.), Lou Barletta (Penn.), Mike Bishop (Mich.), Mike Simpson (Idaho), John Carter (Texas), Robert Aderholt (Ala.), Mark Amodei (Nev.), Jeff Fortenberry (Neb.), Tom Rooney (Fla.), and Ken Calvert (Calif.). 

AFP will also go after Democratic Reps. Stephanie Murphy (Fla.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.), Pete Visclosky (Ind.), Henry Cuellar (Texas), Matt Cartwright (Penn.), Beto O’Rourke (Texas), and Tom O’Halleran (Ariz.).

But AFP intends to reward some Republicans who voted against the bill. They will run ads thanking GOP Reps. Dave Brat (Va.), Glen Grothman (Wis.), Jim Renacci (Ohio), Steve Pearce (N.M.), Chris Stewart (Utah), Jason Lewis (Minn.), Tom Garrett (Va), Ted Budd (N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.), Andy Harris (Md.), Tom Emmer (Minn.), Rod Blum (Iowa) and Mike Coffman (Colo.). 

The group is hoping the ad campaign will pressure lawmakers to rein in spending ahead of the September funding deadline, which comes just before the midterm elections. 

“Congress did the right thing when it passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but failing to control spending will undermine it,” Riggs said. “Lawmakers will have another chance to demonstrate their commitment to fiscal responsibility later this year when they consider 2019 funding legislation. We urge them to start now, seize the opportunity to stop overspending and deliver the president a spending bill he can sign.”