NRCC Cuts TV Buy in Maine
The National Republican Congressional Committee is cutting the last two weeks of its television reservations in Maine’s 2nd District, according to a committee spokeswoman.
The NRCC originally reserved $1.6 million for the open-seat race to succeed Rep. Michael H. Michaud, a Democrat who is running for governor. The committee spent $965,000 of that reservation, but will now shift the remaining funds to offensive seats elsewhere.
“We have put Democrats on defense in Maine, and we are increasing our buys in several offensive seats,” NRCC spokeswoman Andrea Bozek told Roll Call on Monday.
The committee will now add six-figure sums to four other offensive opportunity races:
- Illinois’ 12th District (Democratic Rep. Bill Enyart): $300,000
- West Virginia’s 3rd District (Democratic Rep. Nick J. Rahall II): $150,000
- Minnesota’s 7th District (Democratic Rep. Collin C. Peterson): $500,000
- New York’s 1st District (Democratic Rep. Timothy H. Bishop): $140,000
As for Maine, Republicans had been bullish on their candidate, former state Treasurer Bruce Poliquin, and his chances against the Democratic nominee, state Sen. Emily Cain. Speaker John A. Boehner, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and NRCC Chairman Greg Walden have campaigned for Poliquin in the district.
The NRCC will follow through on a coordinated buy with the Poliquin campaign this week.
“Bruce is strong independent leadership and message of economic growth is resonating Maine voters, and with 15 days until the election, Bruce has the necessary resources to get across the finish line,” Bozek added. Poliquin also has the capacity to self-fund his campaign.
The race is rated Leans Democratic by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.
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