Mehmet Oz, the television personality better known as Dr. Oz running as a Republican for Senate in Pennsylvania, has gained the support of a super PAC advised by a collection of experienced political operatives steeped in Washington.
American Leadership Action was established Nov. 17, according to Federal Election Commission disclosures — nearly two weeks before Oz entered the race for the Republican Senate nomination in the Keystone State. The super PAC’s director is John Fogarty, an attorney with the firm Clark Hill; Michele Reisner is the treasurer; Republican strategist Larry McCarthy handles media; Chip Englander is the pollster; and Jahan Wilcox, a veteran of several GOP Senate campaigns, runs communications.
Under federal law, American Leadership Action can raise and spend unlimited funds on Oz’s behalf but cannot share or coordinate strategy with his campaign. Asked for comment Monday, the group referred the Washington Examiner to the statement of organization filed with the FEC.
TRUMP SOCIAL NETWORK USED FOR REPUBLICAN FUNDRAISING
With prominent name recognition and millions of personal wealth to invest in his campaign, Oz immediately vaulted into the ranks of the front-runners despite having just moved to Pennsylvania after years of living in neighboring New Jersey. Oz has several other vulnerabilities, including his past comments on abortion, China, the coronavirus, and his previous support for lockdowns — which he has since disavowed.
But Oz is a charismatic figure who garnered enviable ratings with voters when he entered the Republican Senate primary on Nov. 30. Perhaps more importantly, Oz enjoys a personal friendship with former President Donald Trump, whose endorsement in the race could decide the outcome — if he offers one. Trump had previously endorsed Sean Parnell, but the Republican ended his campaign unexpectedly for personal reasons.
The exact strategy American Leadership Action plans to boost Oz’s Senate bid is unclear. But super PACs often take their cues from the campaign they are supporting. In that case, the group could be training its political guns on David McCormick, CEO of hedge fund Bridgewater Capital, who is expected to jump into the GOP Senate primary in Pennsylvania any day and is widely considered Oz’s strongest competition.
Oz’s initial videos and statements have been thick with positive conservative bromides and traditional attacks on the usual suspects.
“Our campaign is gaining momentum, so the liberal media wants to cancel me. The Philadelphia Inquirer stopped calling me ‘doctor’ even though I am a practicing physician who’s performed thousands of heart surgeries,” Oz said in a fresh campaign video. “They claim they don’t use titles, but they call liberal politicians like John Fetterman by his title of lieutenant governor. It’s just more media double standards. We won’t be canceled.”
“I love America,” he added. “I am a conservative. I believe in more freedom, strong families, and secure borders.”
Quietly, Oz’s campaign has criticized McCormick over Bridgewater Capital’s China ties. McCormick’s political team has responded in kind, making for an interesting and vicious shadow campaign. (McCormick also boasts a close relationship with Trump.)
Super PACs often assume the role of attack dog, freeing up a campaign to devote more resources to positive messaging that highlights its candidate’s strengths while avoiding backlash for playing dirty politics. That could ultimately be the approach American Leadership Action takes in this race.
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The contest for the Republican nomination for Senate in Pennsylvania scrambled late last month when Parnell dropped out, and Trump’s endorsement was once again in play. Oz entered soon after, with McCormick expected to follow suit. Other GOP contenders include Jeff Bartos, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018; conservative activist Kathy Barnette; and Carla Sands, a former ambassador under Trump.
The former president has remained mum on what he might do next.
