Koch Brothers Involving Themselves In Democratic Politics Again

As we saw a few days ago, the Koch brothers are starting to interfere with Democratic candidates for election. Ironically, the first person in line for their filthy money was DCCC chair Ben Ray Lujan. Also ironically, no one has asked him to step down. Why would they; it's the Democratic Party. And now the top Koch front group, Americans for Prosperity, is handing out more cash to Democrats

They've cooked up a new ad campaign, beginning Memorial Day weekend-- radio, print, digital and direct mail-- targeting Republican and Democrats in Congress who voted for the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending package in March. There is a companion plan to support candidates who voted against it. 145 Republicans and 111 Democrats voted for it and 90 Republican and 77 Democrats who opposed it so there are plenty of targets. The selections were very strategic.

A Koch spokesman, Bill Riggs: "It’s time to take a hard look at what lawmakers say, and what they actually do when it comes to reining in overspending. 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."

Very few of the Republicans they chose to target (like Kentucky's Hal Rogers, Bob Aderholt of Alabama and Idaho's Mike Simpson are in any danger of losing and most Republicans they're rewarding need the support for crucial races-- Dave Brat (VA), Glen Grothman (WI), Jim Renacci (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), Jason Lewis (MN), Tom Garrett (VA), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Rod Blum (IA) and Mike Coffman (CO). On the other hand, some of the Democrats being targeted can be seriously hurt, particularly Matt Cartwright (PA), Beto O'Rourke (TX) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL). Example" Hal Rogers' opponent this cycle, Ken Stepp, has raised $524 compared to Rogers' $539,915. The Koch brothers opposition is a joke.