Former president Donald Trump’s political action committee (PAC), Make America Great Again Action PAC bought $348,081 worth of advertising in Ohio’s 15th District. The district will be holding a Republican congressional primary where Mike Carey, the candidate backed by Trump is facing a host of challengers. The huge ad purchase was made on Tuesday, a noteworthy day as it was the day when Trump backed candidate Susan Wright who lost in a special election that was conducted in the sixth congressional district in Texas.
The large recent purchase could indicate that the Trump team is no longer confident that a candidate endorsed by them could easily win. They have bought ad time to ensure that Mike Carey, a coal lobbyist and Trump favorite wins the primary. Trump and team think that he is a kingmaker. Another loss would dent his image. Trump has already recorded a robocall in favor of Carey. He had called him on stage at a June rally in Lorain County, Ohio. He also sent an email that showed his support for Carey according to a report in the Columbus Dispatch.
The Ohio primary has seen some huge spending by PACs. A group called Conservative Outsiders PAC has already spent $220,000 in ads opposing Carey’s candidacy. The recent filing with the Federal Election Commission by Trump’s PAC shows that his team may be a bit wary of riding on his name alone after his Texas backed candidate Susan Wright recently lost. Two losses would dent his reputation.
Trump had recently held a fundraiser in Dallas, Texas on July 11. According to an invitation that was received by The Dallas Morning News, attendees paid $25,000 per couple or $15,000 per individual. The fundraiser collected money for Trump’s PACs.
The Ohio primary came up as former candidate GOP Rep. Steve Strivers left Congress in May. He had joined the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and endorsed the candidature of state Rep. Jeff Lake with money and might. There are a total of 10 candidates who are a part of the primary. The winner of the primary is most likely to win the election as the district votes red. The winning GOP candidate will face a Democrat in November and most likely win the seat.
Image Jake Ellzey
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