This is the latest version of the Democratic playbook that is becoming more and more popular today. In a few blue states, especially in the governor's election, Democratic groups and campaigns have posted ads to boost more extreme Republican candidates in the primary. This hopes they will win the nomination and be easier to win in the November general elections.
So far, the results have been mixed. DGA and Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker have successfully selectedopponents in Illinois, but have spent tens of millions of dollars on them. Pennsylvania's Attorney General, Josh Shapiro, was a Democratic candidate for the state's public governor's election and backed State Senator Dagmas Triano on the final day of the Republican Primary. , Efforts to derail the Governor and the Republican candidaterunning for the Senatewere both flat.
But Maryland may have the most annoying primary of all of them — a full proxy war between Trump and Hogan. .. Shortly after Trump's early approval of Cox, Hogan went all-in to Schultz, a former state legislator who served in Hogan's cabinet until earlier this year. Hogan supports Schultz, and much of his political network works in some way to boost her campaign.
"That's not unexpected," Schultz said in an interview about buying DGA, citing democratic interference in racing elsewhere. If she was a nominee, "DGA should now spend $ 1 million rather than spending $ 5 million in the general election."
The competition between Schultz and Cox remains close, including two other lesser-known Republicans. In a recent poll offrom The Baltimore Banner / WYPR / Goucher College, two were within the margin of error. Cox was 25% and Schulz was 22%. Forty-four percent of voters said they didn't know who to support or who to support in the primary.
And DGA advertising can have a big impact. According to data from ad tracking company AdImpact, the commission has secured at least $ 1.2 million worth of airtime. That's more than the combined amount of money Cox and Schulz spent on advertising.
Trump isn't rallying in Cox in the state, but he called an event hosted by the candidate at the end of last month. "Dan has always been MAGA, and I say it very strongly," Trump told the crowd inin a video posted by Cox's campaign. ..
Cox ties in a recent primary poll, but DGA claims it has made a jump start by attacking Cox before November. "Given Cox's front runner status and radical MAGA stance, we're wasting time starting the general election early and making him accountable," said DGA spokesman Sam Newton. Stated in a statement.
The Democratic Commission has been hostile to Schultz across the primary by campaigns and commissions trading thorns through the media. (One of the subject lines of a recent press release from DGA: "Kelly Schultz is angry to dodge the debate. DGA has sent eight press releases mentioning her — this is # 9.") However, the ad The purchase represents a significant escalation.
"I think this is not just an attack on Kelly, but an attack on all Maryland Republicans," said Hogan's longtime aide, who advises the Schultz campaign. Doug Meyer says. "At the heart of what they're saying is that Maryland Republicans are idiots. They're friction and a bunch of D.C.'s clever trousers can fool them ... after all. By the way, they aren't really fooling people. "
Mayer hopes the Schultz campaign will talk a lot about DGA's advertising campaign in the last few weeks of the race. I said there is.
Anyone who wins a Republican nomination can be vulnerable in the fall while Schultz seeks to continue his second term of Hogan's legacy. The Democrats see the governor's election as one of the best pick-up opportunities in the country, and the popular Hogan finished the vote with President Joe Biden winning more than 30 points.
However, the Democratic primary remains undecided as well. The recent banner / WYPR / voucher vote for that crowded race found three candidates in their mid-teens: State Auditor Peter Franchot, Writer Wesmoor, Former US Labor Secretary Tom Perez.
Hogan blew up Democrats for promoting Cox at a press conference Thursday, calling their interference terribly irresponsible. ..
"Democrats are very afraid to lose again. They are now enabling, bolding and accepting QAnon's conspiracy theorists," Hogan said, referring to Cox. "People who scream all day about democracy at stake are willing to play Russian roulette at the Maryland State House just to win the election."
Cox's The campaign responded to an interview request in a long statement accusing Schultz of colluding with the Democratic Party, proving that the data circulated by the Schultz campaign on DGA ad purchases were not released and they were working together. Said. (In fact, TV ad data is available from private ad tracking companies and the FCC website.)
According to Maryland Matters, Coxon Thursday in Schultz and Hogan. Crashed the press conference. I shouted at the governor and his disciples.
And on Friday, Trump issued a parrot statement calling Cox's lines about buying DGA "all fake games." He also called RINOs in both Hogan and Schultz, stating that Hogan "is coming to rescue his fellow'never tramper'." Assets of her campaign. "Marylanders — Whether you're a Republican, an Independent Party, or a Democrat, they're happy with the state and know another Republican who can check and balance within the state. Yes ... that's what Marylanders are looking for. "She said.
Schultz supporter Jason Buckel, a minority leader in the State Capitol, said in an interview that DGA's efforts are an attempt to promote weak candidates.
Bakker did not personally criticize Cox, but said his campaign would not have the "financial margin" to be competitive in the general election.
"The truth of the matter is that Democrats know it will be difficult to defeat [Schultz]," Buckle said.
