You know who's had a pretty solid week? The National Republican Senatorial Committee. Three stories illustrate the point:
Michigan -
Republican former congressman Pete Hoekstra has changed his mind and will run against Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) next year, according to sources familiar with his plans. Hoekstra, who had said in April that he would not pursue the seat, gives Republicans a big-name recruit in a race where the GOP had struggled to land a well-known candidate even as the race was starting to look like a real opportunity. A poll released earlier Tuesday showed Stabenow has fallen out of favor with Michigan voters. Just 38 percent approved of her job performance, while 51 percent disapproved.
Missouri -
A few months after Sen. Claire McCaskill was entwined in a scandal over the use of her personal plane for campaign travel, the Missouri Democrat has released amended campaign finance reports dating back to 2006. According to the new filings with the Federal Elections Commission, McCaskill’s campaign committee had failed to account for 143 contributions in the ‘06 cycle, totaling nearly $277,000. The committee also missed about $277,000 in disbursements. During that cycle, McCaskill raised $11.5 million.
Thank heavens she's an expert on accountability and a fiend for attention to detail.
Finances -
The NRSC raked in $3.79 million in June, swelling its 2nd Quarter haul to $10.2 million. The committee has $3.68 million cash on hand, and no debt. “It’s clear that even with the fundraiser-in-chief and a Senate majority, Senate Democrats will not be enjoying the same tremendous financial advantage that they had in the last Presidential cycle. The Republican grassroots is motivated and independent voters recognize that under the current Senate Democrat majority, our country is staring over the edge of a tremendous fiscal cliff. If we’re going to get America back on track, and ensure that future generations are protected, we need to start by electing more common-sense, fiscally-responsible, and pro-jobs Republican Senators,” said NRSC Executive Director Rob Jesmer.
If they play their cards right, the NRSC has a golden opportunity to spearhead a GOP takeover of the Senate next fall. If this week is any indication of their progress, Republicans have ample cause for optimism.