Believing it is on the verge of taking back the Senate, the Republican National Committee borrowed $5 million to pour into close races and has directed its finance staff to direct all new donations into pushing Sen. Harry Reid out of his Senate Majority Leader’s office.
“This is the time when you double down to win. I feel really good about where our campaigns are and we’re going to do everything we can to take back the Senate in November,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.
According to officials, the RNC this week took out a $5 million loan to cover a $4 million transfer to the National Republican Senatorial Committee and $1 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee which hopes to add up to a dozen new House members to the GOP caucus.
The committee also shifted another $1.5 million to some Senate races through state parties in target states.
The cash is likely to be used for ground support: grassroots campaigning and get out the vote operations in states where the races are close.
Officials assured that the loan wasn’t the result of poor fundraising. Some news outlets have reported that GOP donors, also sensing victory, have turned on the money spigots.
“We’ve been having a spectacular fundraising year but now is the time to pour more money in while we have the chance to impact the races on the ground and on the air. As more money comes in over the next 19 days we will continue directing money where we need it to take back the Senate,” said an official.
In September, the RNC raised $13.5 million, has since taken in another $6.5 million, and has spent $100 million on the midterm elections.
The DNC has been keeping close to the RNC in fundraising, helped by President Obama’s nonstop role as fundraiser in chief.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
