It looks like Mitch McConnell’s post-primary celebration in Kansas was premature: his dark money allies just announced they’ll spend $4.2 million in Kansas over the next month to try and save Congressman Roger Marshall, a candidate they didn’t want in the first place. This latest buy confirms Republicans’ fears of Congressman Marshall going up against Dr. Barbara Bollier — widely regarded as a “strong candidate” who has built a broad coalition of support and has the resources to continue building a juggernaut campaign.
Marshall’s “image took a beating” during the messy and expensive GOP primary. He “hasn’t inspired much support” from Republicans, who were never “in a rush to anoint” the Congressman after striking out trying to recruit against him and have been “privately frustrated with Marshall’s lackluster fundraising.” In the 24 hours following the primary, a former McConnell aide admitted Marshall will need to be “heavily fortified” while another unnamed Republican strategist warned keeping this seat will “take some investment.”
Now, they have to siphon resources away from vulnerable GOP incumbents to play defense in a competitive Kansas race, where recent public polling showed Bollier and Marshall neck-and-neck.
“Republicans just put up a $4.2 million flashing neon sign that says ‘Kansas Is In Play,’” said DSCC spokesperson Helen Kalla.
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