Joni Ernst
Republican hypocrisy has gotten to be kind of an old, tired story. But then you come across a headline this this,
"Republicans Join Attacks on Big Money," and realize the astonishing depths of their ability to twist the truth, to co-opt a popular liberal position—like protecting Social Security—and use it to bludgeon Democratic opponents.
You've got Tom Tillis, the Republican challenging Sen. Kay Hagan in North Carolina running this ad which accuses Hagan of missing an Armed Services Committee hearing "while ISIS grew" because "she prioritized a cocktail party to benefit her campaign." That comes on the heels of a seven-figure ad buy from the Koch brother's Freedom Partners Action Fund attacking Hagan. That's after the Kochs' Americans for Prosperity spent millions—millions—in ads against Hagan since well before the primary. Meanwhile, another Koch group—the American Future Fund—is running an ad ostensibly to support Sean Haugh, the independent in the race, citing his pro-pot platform and targeting would-be Hagan voters.
This example, though, is the best one. It's Karl Rove's American Crossroads Super PAC attacking Democrat Bruce Baley in Iowa for . . . being supported by a Super PAC.
"Bruce Braley," the narrator intones, "he's on the side of billionaire special interests, not Iowa workers." Uh, huh. As opposed to Joni Ernst, who thanked the Kochs
for making her what she is today at their big secret summit this summer. Ernst is now
trying to deny that she has any contact with outside groups. Like the Kochs. Or Americans for Prosperity which spent a quarter of a million in ads for her, or Freedom Partners Action Fund which has spent more than $3 million.
Don't let the Kochs' money win this election. Show your $3 is as effective as their $3 million.
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You can expect this newfound Republican distaste for special interest money to last about six more days. Then they'll be back to
filibustering campaign finance reform. And kowtowing to the Kochs.