A Republican group is hitting Democratic senators with an advertising blitz in a bid to pressure them to confirm President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees.
Right Way Initiative, a 501(c)4 political nonprofit group, on Friday launched a digital, direct mail and television advertising campaign urging voters in Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to tell their senators to support the incoming president’s agenda and choices to serve in his administration.
Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in all five of those five states on Nov. 8, and they happen to be the homes of vulnerable Democrats who are up for re-election in 2018. Among them are Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana; Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri; Sen. Jon Tester of Montana; Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
“Americans are tired of the gridlock in Washington and they expect action,” Right Way Initiative Board Chairman Michael Baroody said in a statement. “This advocacy effort is aimed at encouraging them to contact their senators in Washington and urge support for constructive policy solutions to the critical issues facing our country.”
The group’s television spots are running on cable television in five states, and are coupled with a direct-mail and digital ad campaign. The group declined to reveal exactly how much it is investing, but a GOP source said it would be under $1 million but in the “high six figures.”
Republicans are hoping to add to their 52-seat Senate majority in the midterm elections in 2018, and Donnelly, McCaskill, Tester, Casey and Manchin are the obvious targets.
The Right Way Initiative ads focus on pushing them to support “the Trump economic team” of Commerce Secretary designee Wilbur Ross, Treasury Secretary-designee Stephen Mnuchin, Transportation Secretary-designee Elaine Chao, and Health and Human Services Secretary-designee Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga.
“A new president. A new chance for change. With a plan that will unleash economic growth,” the voice-over says as the television spot running in Indiana opens. “Call Sen. Donnelly. Tell him to vote to confirm the Trump economic team.”
