In the latest sign that Republicans are growing confident embattled Northern Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock is poised to win reelection, Republicans are doubling down on their support, including a fundraising visit by House Speaker Paul Ryan next month.
Viewed as one of the toughest races in the country, Comstock has held her own against Democratic state Sen. Jennifer Wexton who has been warning in emails to supporters that the Republican is a “giant when it comes to fundraising.”
Some critics had suggested that that the party was bailing on the two-term Republican who won in 2016 despite President Trump losing the moderately liberal district, but the party has been investing in her race.
“I’m not going to cut off somebody who’s winning,” said Rep. Steve Stivers, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. He boasted that Comstock “will win this race,” and noted that the committee has boosted spending to help Comstock and tackle Wexton.
And for good reason. According to the Comstock campaign, she leading in their internal polls.
Ryan’s trip is symbolic of the party’s support since he is planning to travel around the clock to help his party keep control of the House and isn’t likely to waste a day on a long shot.
“Barbara Comstock has won tough races before because she puts her constituents first and provides independent leadership on their behalf. Speaker Ryan is proud to go to her district to support her, because Barbara’s record of accomplishment far outweighs her opponent’s commitment to be a reliable ally for Nancy Pelosi,” said Ryan spokesman Jeremy Adler.
NRCC spokeswoman Maddie Anderson added, “Anyone who counts Barbara Comstock out clearly has not been paying attention, and will be biting their tongue come November 6. The NRCC is proud to support Comstock, and is grateful to Speaker Ryan for continuing to support her as well.”
Ryan will appear at an October event hosted by legendary fundraiser and GOP operative Bobbie Kilberg, who has worked for Presidents Nixon, Ford, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. She is the president of the Northern Virginia Technology Council.
What’s more, Sen. Marco Rubio and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy are planning fundraisers and events for Comstock. In the 2016 GOP presidential primary, Rubio beat Trump in most of the 10th District’s counties that Comstock represents.
In addition to Ryan’s visit, the NRCC has reserved nearly $5 million in ads to support Comstock. That’s the biggest reservation of airtime the NRCC has made in any district across the country.
I had an awesome time last night with @TimKaine at @bchordbrewing talking to voters and enjoying some great music, courtesy of Senator Kaine and the band! Western Loudoun is ready to flip #VA10. pic.twitter.com/F0hXsSOs3R
— Jennifer Wexton (@JenniferWexton) July 18, 2018
Comstock has been counted out before, especially in 2016 when Hillary Clinton won her district. Despite that, Comstock won 53 percent of the vote. She has been the subject of several media reports that have played up her constant traveling through the district, following in the pattern of her moderate GOP predecessor, former Rep. Frank Wolf.
Earlier this month, for example, she attended five 9/11 events in every corner of her district while Wexton hosted a fundraiser at a Winchester, Va., brewery.
Update on the work we are doing fighting to restore the pay raise for federal employees. https://t.co/FBEkjvJ1wr #VA10
— Barbara Comstock (@BarbaraComstock) September 14, 2018
She is considered one of the most organized members of the House GOP caucus. “I think she pulls it out on sheer grit,” said a Virginia Republican organzier.
Wexton and Democratic groups have run generic attacks on Comstock, tying her to Trump and noting that the Republican votes Republican in Congress and that she backed the 2017 tax cuts which Democrats have portrayed as helping corporations. Hundreds of companies cited the tax cut in giving workers $1,000-$2,000 bonuses.
Comstock, meanwhile, has played up her independence, her early leadership in Capitol Hill the #MeToo movement, and her clashes with Trump over shutting down the government and freezing federal pay.
