Club for Growth wades into competitive House races

Outside groups are ramping up for the fall. We saw EMILY's List anti-Sarah Palin fundraising campaign, now on the other end of the political spectrum, the conservative Club for Growth is wading into competitive House races in TN-8, AR-2, SC-5, and IN-9. The races are all rated in First Read's Field of 64 (in rank order by likelihood they will switch parties): No. 5 AR-2, No. 32 TN-8, No. 39 SC-5, No. 48 IN-9.

CQ Politics reports:

"The club is backing farmer Stephen Fincher in Tennessee's open 8th district and attorney Tim Griffin in Arkansas open 2nd district. It also endorsed state Sen. Mick Mulvaney in his fight against House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt in South Carolina's 5th district and attorney Todd Young against Rep. Barron Hill in Indiana's 9th district. The club has endorsed 21 candidates so far this cycle but before now its House endorsements have been in safely Republican districts where the only competition was in GOP primaries. Club spokesman Mike Connolly acknowledged Thursday that the latest endorsements are the result of the group turning its attention to the general election. ... Last cycle, the club dropped about $24 million supporting candidates it had endorsed. Club officials have said they expect to exceed that spending total this cycle."

The club has been criticized in past elections (by First Read included) for backing more conservative candidates in primaries than more moderate ones who would have a better chance at winning in some districts like in NY-23 in 2009. In these cases, these are the candidates who have already won primaries.

Discuss this post

It's back! I believe the Club for Growth gave democrats the NY23rd district after around a hundred years republican. The Tea Party and Club for Growth, quite a duo. Will they fight over which one is most conservative?

  • 6 votes
Reply#1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 11:49 AM EDT

Jody,

I live in TN 8th, sure hope you are right, the teabaggers tore each other up in the primary, so if anyone believes them Fincher is a dirt bag (which I do believe he is). going to be a little hard for them though in our district, Roy Herron is a very conservative Democrat, he is also a former Methodist Minister, so they sure won't be able to out religion him. One good thing about my district - it is solid middle class working people who know there are jobs out there - maybe not jobs that will make you a millionaire, but heck, when ronnie reaybumb was in office I worked 3 which were way under my skill level just to make ends meet. Most of us in this district do not have short memories, we know who messed this economy up and it goes pretty far back - all the way back to reaybumb.

  • 2 votes
#1.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:30 PM EDT

They never left, Rove has the American Crossroads 527 group now making ads for the colorado Senate race!...To be expected since the roberts activist court gave the repubs and the corporations the gift of citizens united!

Deplorable, and despicable!

  • 2 votes
#1.2 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:28 PM EDT
Reply

The key word is 'primary'-something they did not have in NY-23.

That they SHOULD have had. What did the republican leadership think about-we aren't democrats, who take nominations away from candidates who win primaries, and give them to people who do not deserve the nomination, (let alone the office), by arm-twisting so-called 'special delegates' to give, and sometimes change, their votes to the 'chosen'.

Take a look at the polls, and tell me THAT was the right decision.

Better yet-wait for November 3, and THEN tell me Obama should be president.

  • 2 votes
Reply#2 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 11:54 AM EDT

What happens November 3? Is there a Presidential election this year and nobody told me?

  • 8 votes
#2.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:02 PM EDT

November third is the day after November 2. The mid term election is November 2-so full results will be known on November 3.

See, I thought you knew that. Look it up. You'll be surprised.

    #2.2 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:11 PM EDT

    I know it has been a while, and memories fade with time and age, but my recollection of NY23 was that a group of hyper-conservative Republicans gave the incumbent Republican candidate such grief that she withdrew, and then the out-of-district nutcase they imported was soundly whipped by the Democrat-- thereby handing over a safe Republican district to a Democrat. No Jo's characterization of this procedure as a habit peculiar to Democrats is somewhat at odds with history.

    • 5 votes
    #2.3 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:05 PM EDT

    Congratulations No Joe! You know how to look at a calendar and good job avoiding what Da Noid was referring to. I believe the elections will be a reflection on Congress not the President. When your only tool is a hammer every problem looks like a nail No Joe. You really are ridiculous.

    • 6 votes
    #2.4 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:12 PM EDT

    As with most "Crackheads", Robert, they know Not what thewy speak of.

    But again, maybe she's into Spanking along with Pole dancing.

    • 4 votes
    #2.5 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:13 PM EDT

    Fascinating...so a midterm election is used to determine who should and should not be President?

    I missed that part of the Constitution.

    • 8 votes
    #2.6 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT

    Robert Burnside,

    You'll find much of njnbnj's posturing is at odds with history. We just shake our heads and try not to laugh.

    • 7 votes
    #2.7 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:19 PM EDT

    I believe the elections will be a reflection on Congress not the President.

    More correctly, when I go to the polls in November, it will be a reflection of my Representative and my Senators (both Gillibrand and Schumer are up for re-election this year).

    I beleive you will find the same to be true where you live, "no joe"...well, except for the Senator part because neither seat in New Jersey is up for election thise year.

    See, "no joe", the inconvenient truth for you is that no matter how much you say you loath Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid you don't get a say on whether either of them get re-elected.

    But, great Constitutional Scholar that you are, you already knew that.

    • 4 votes
    #2.8 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:25 PM EDT

    It's pretty obvious that Obama has adopted the Bill Clinton '94 strategy.

      #2.9 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:15 PM EDT
      Reply

      Why does this 'club' keep leaving the 's' off the end of the last word in their club's name??

      • 1 vote
      Reply#3 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 11:58 AM EDT

      Said with my very BEST Church Lady,

      "Could it be SATAN?"

      • 2 votes
      #3.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:20 PM EDT
      Reply

      Club for Growth? Even their name is hypocritical. They want to go backward not forward. They want to shrink everything not grow better.

      • 3 votes
      Reply#4 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:16 PM EDT

      Maybe some one should tell Emily's List that Sarah Palin is not running for any office in November. Why waste money campaigning against her, unless they are so frightened by her. Sarah is not and will not run for any political office now or in the future. But she sure upsets the liberals, and she is laughing at the concerted effort against her as she banks all the money she is making.

      • 5 votes
      Reply#5 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:27 PM EDT

      You're right she 'upsets' us... lol

      ''I'm the mayor, I can do whatever I want until the courts tell me I can't.''

      —Sarah Palin, as quoted by former City Council Member Nick Carney, after he raised objections about the $50,000 she spent renovating the mayor's office without approval of the city council

      • 6 votes
      #5.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:43 PM EDT

      It’s just so much fun to toy with the “Momma Grizzly” and listen to her blame the “lame stream” media.

      • 5 votes
      #5.2 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:47 PM EDT

      I don' tknow, Feisty- I'm afraid of her, now that I know she's supportive of the fake "Dr" Laura.

      Maybe she can score us some of those nekkid pictures "Dr" Laura had taken of herself?

      • 4 votes
      #5.3 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:06 PM EDT

      Maybe she can score us some of those nekkid pictures "Dr" Laura had taken of herself?

      OUCH! My eyes... my eyes... lol

      Remember this one?

      "Ohh, good, thank you, yes." --Sarah Palin, after a notorious Canadian prank caller complimented her on the documentary about her life, Hustler's "Nailin Paylin," Nov. 1, 2008 (Read more about the prank call, watch the video and see the transcript)

      • 5 votes
      #5.4 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT

      Maybe some one should tell Emily's List that Sarah Palin is not running for any office in November.

      ...and why isn't she running for office in November?

      That's right, boys and girls, it's because she QUIT!

      • 6 votes
      #5.5 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:20 PM EDT

      Maybe someone should tell the club for growth that there is a growing commitment from the working class in our very blue collar 8th TN congressional district to vote against the candidate who is wealthy and who has outside backing!

      • 4 votes
      #5.6 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:33 PM EDT
      Reply

      Join the club and grow your own dope.

      • 3 votes
      Reply#6 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:30 PM EDT

      Hate to tell you this sfcret, but the only money she is banking is what has been given to her by right-wing tea-bagging nut-jobs like you.

      • 4 votes
      Reply#7 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:32 PM EDT

      Ramboet, who cares where the money is coming from, at least she is not asking the government for hand outs and depending on the government to take care of her. The left thinks it is o.k. to take government money but the right should not spend private. The only nut jobs are you on the left for being so scared of Sarah that you jump to all conclusions and immediately vilify her. I would think that you would want her out there since you don't think she is helping anyone.

      • 3 votes
      #7.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:47 PM EDT

      Haha, good one Ramboet! Love it, and yes I voted!

      • 3 votes
      #7.2 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:34 PM EDT

      I have to ask- and be honest: you really are anonymous on these posts (I hope yo don't use your real names!)-

      How many of you on the left are taking Government handouts? My guess is none (unless there are disability checks or SS checks coming your way. And remember- you contributed to SS) ........

      The point is, this is just like the "all libs are Godless Commies" attitude the right keeps in play.

      • 4 votes
      #7.3 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:37 PM EDT

      sfcret - What's in it for you if the rpublicans come into power? Are you looking forward to the end of Medicare and having social security funds put in the stock market? Do you think you will benefit from the wealthiest 2% keeping their tax cuts? I hope you don't have friends or family working in mines or off-shore oil riggs because there will be no regulations. And if you are still working, I hope you don't lose your job because you won't be getting any unemployment benefits.

      You may think the lefties are giving out welfare, but wait until it's you and not veterans living under a bridge.

      • 5 votes
      #7.4 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:03 PM EDT

      Says who Ramboet? More fear mongering from the left... No one is talking about getting rid of social security... Is there a problem with the current system, yes. Does it need tweeking, yet. In fact, I believe the Government already has a program called the thrift savings plan.

        #7.5 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:15 PM EDT

        Sorry JFK but all the teabagging republicans are talking about privatizing SS, which is getting rid of it as it exists today. Another lie for the teabagging republicans.

        • 3 votes
        #7.6 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:56 PM EDT
        Reply

        sfcret

        Before you tell people that Sarah isn't running, why don't you check out their webite: www.sarahdoesntspeakforme.com. It is better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!

        • 3 votes
        Reply#8 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:42 PM EDT

        Mac, you tell me what office Sarah Palin is running for? The only fools are those that are spending their money trying to put down someone that isn't even listed on a ballot in any state.If you can't tell me where she is on a ballot, maybe you should take your own advise and remain silent, because you have already proven you are a fool.

        • 3 votes
        #8.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:52 PM EDT

        The same office Michael Moore and George Sorros were running for when everyone worried about what THEY were doing, I'd bet.

        • 4 votes
        #8.2 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:07 PM EDT

        No sfcret the only fools are those spending (aka giving) their money on an idiot like Palin. And then brag about how rich she is.

        • 3 votes
        #8.3 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:59 PM EDT
        Reply

        Neither Sarah Palin nor Emily's List speaks for me.

        • 4 votes
        Reply#9 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:47 PM EDT

        Here is the history of the budgets:
        1996 -107 Billion (DEM WH, GOP wins House & Senate for first time in 40 yrs)
        1997 -21.9 Billion (DEM WH, GOP House & Senate)
        1998 +69.3 Billion (DEM WH, GOP House & Senate)
        1999 +125.6 Billion (DEM WH, GOP House & Senate)
        2000 +236.2 Billion (GOP WH, GOP House & Senate)
        2001 +128.2 Billion (GOP WH, GOP House & Senate , America was attacked)
        2002 -157.8 Billion (GOP WH, GOP House & Senate, congress approves 2 wars)
        2003 -377.6 Billion (GOP WH, GOP House & Senate)
        2004 -412.7 Billion ((GOP WH, GOP House & Senate)
        2005 -318.3 Billion (GOP WH, GOP House & Senate, Hurricane Katrina)
        2006 -248.2 Billion (GOP WH, GOP House & Senate)
        2007 -160.7 Billion (GOP WH, DEM wins House & Senate)
        2008 -458.6 Billion (DEM WH, DEM House & Senate)
        2009 -1.4 Trillion (DEM WH, DEM Senate & House, national debt explodes)
        2010 -1.5 Trillion est. (DEM WH, DEM Senate & House)
        2011 -1.3 Trillion est. (DEM WH, Senate? & House?)
        2012 -830 Billion est. (DEM WH, Senate? & House ?)

          Reply#10 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:06 PM EDT

          Your Uncle Sammy

          2008 -458.6 Billion (DEM WH, DEM House & Senate)

          SORRY UNCLE SAMMY BUT 2008 (GOP WH, DEM HOUSE & SENATE) Obama did not get in to office till jan 09.

          • 6 votes
          #10.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:19 PM EDT

          Hate to tell you that the National Debt was exploding long before President Obama took office.

          "How can that be when the deficits seem so relatively small?" you ask.

          The last President (I forget his name because I guess you're not supposed to say it) never put Iraq or Afghanistan in the budget.

          • 3 votes
          #10.2 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:46 PM EDT

          Shhhhhhh, Da Noid! Repugs don't like facts. Facts, Schmaks. Who needs those details!

          • 5 votes
          #10.3 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:00 PM EDT

          Da Noid isn't it funny how the teabagging republicans always forget to mention how they didn't include the two wars and Medicade part D in their deficit.

          • 4 votes
          #10.4 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 3:02 PM EDT

          It's true that the war expenditures weren't in the "budget". War funds were approved through supplemental appropriations and they WERE added into the calculation of deficits, or actual performance. A budget is not actual performance.

          We always knew what was being appropriated and the effect it was having on the deficit. My guess is that it's all in the congressional record, along with the votes of approval. In fact, by separating the request for war funding, we actually had a clearer view of the cost and its effects on the deficits.

          Jeff, you're right about 2008 as far as which party was in the White House. Nevertheless, the important part is that the Democrats controlled the house and senate.

            #10.5 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:27 PM EDT
            Reply

            Good call Jeff-1541632! Kind of hard to keep the righties on track, all that fuzzy math that george taught them could be the culprit or at least their excuse!

            • 7 votes
            Reply#11 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:35 PM EDT

            ThinkProgress:

            Senator Al Franken calls opposition to mosque near Ground Zero "one of the most disgraceful things that I've heard" -

            As conservatives continue their hateful campaign against building the proposed Park 51 Islamic community center and mosque two blocks from Ground Zero in New York City, Democratic leaders have started to push back. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) told a local news station earlier this week that the mosque was a “local decision” and that we’re “not at war with a religion, we’re at war with terrorism.” Illinois Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias, despite being in a tough race, spoke out in favor of building the mosque as well. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) said it wasn’t the “role” of politicians to tell people where to worship and that the mosque’s organizers “should be able to” build where they want. Speaking at the Democratic County Chairmen’s Association breakfast yesterday in Illinois, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) continued this trend by slamming the mosque’s critics. He called opposition to the mosque “one of the most disgraceful things that I’ve heard,” and used his trademark humor to mock conservative opponents for being scared of “Muslim point guards” that might play basketball at the community center...

            _______

            After I wrote on Tuesday about my co-worker here who expressed "disappointment" in President Obama's speech this past weekend, I printed out the text of Keith's Special Comment from Monday evening and asked him to read it. He told me that when he first came to this country, he lived in NYC and will always think of this city as his home and felt the victims of September 11th weren't being respected. But after reading Keith's Special Comment, he has had a dramatic turn around in his opinion. He knew nothing about the facts of this building up until then. Nothing. He is now so so angry that he can barely speak about it. He is embarrassed that he fell for the lies.

            So thank you Senator Franken. Thank you to Keith and to President Obama and to the few others who have spoken up publicly about this latest shameful episode which has helped many of us to better explain to others why this is all so wrong.

            "A lie may take care of the present, but it has no future." ~Author Unknown

            • 5 votes
            Reply#12 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:55 PM EDT

            Al Franken...seriously? Keith Oberman...really? Maybe its time for you to change the channel to Bloomberg or NPR.

              #12.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:17 PM EDT
              Reply

              It appears the republicans in office and running for office want to "take their country back". That is all the way back to when blacks were refused service, asked to sit at the back of the bus, and forced to use separate restrooms (Rand Paul). Take us back to when there was no social security (Sharon Angle and a host of other republicans). Take us back to when there was no medicare for seniors (another host of republicans). "Death panels anyone? Careful Sharon, you might end up taking us back to when even women could'nt hold office or even vote. Back to trickle down economics of the Reagan years or even further when you did'nt even have to pay for labor (see slaves) ( sorry I forgot they bought and sold them) and possibly try to reinstate tax cut that are due to expire by law. (Why should they concern themselves with pesky little things like adhering to laws even passed by them). And apparently take us back to repealing the 14th amendment (another host of republicans). Hell, they might even try to take us back to the founding of this nation by doing away with first amendment (religious freedoms). I would like to think all Americans have realized that "taking our country back" this far is just ludicrous, but reading some of these posts sure makes you whonder if they truely realize the consequences of their vote. But hay, at least the republicans are against gays, mosques, muslims, Obama, etc. You know. all that important stuff.

              • 4 votes
              Reply#13 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:38 PM EDT

              American Joe...you my friend are an idi0t.

                #13.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:55 PM EDT

                I see the truth hurts JFK. Go back over to Bloombery and NPR.

                • 3 votes
                #13.2 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 3:05 PM EDT

                I find no truth in any of it MO. Again lets group all republicans into this category and all Dems into this one.... ignorance running rampid on these boards as usual.

                  #13.3 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 3:23 PM EDT

                  JFK2112, I did'nt lump all republicans into this category, just specifically some of those in office or some that our running for office. Your the one who's doing the grouping. And my friend, I can only hope your not a part of that group. I guess over time your posts will tell. "Stay thirsty my friend" for the truth. Love that DosXXX quote.

                  • 2 votes
                  #13.4 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 3:36 PM EDT

                  Of course you can't find any truth or fact in anything JFK. Truth and fact are to you and teabagging republicans like sunlight is to a vampire. And the ignorance on this board is coming from you JFK.

                  • 3 votes
                  #13.5 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 3:40 PM EDT

                  teabagging republicans... that says it all right there.

                    #13.6 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 4:11 PM EDT

                    JFK2112, Can you expand on that "teabagging republicans" thing for us? I was having a hard time reading between the lines. I just could'nt get where it said it all. Just asking, do inform us.

                    • 1 vote
                    #13.7 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 4:31 PM EDT

                    AmericanJoe: You are a fear monger.

                    And possibly a liar.

                      #13.8 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:34 PM EDT

                      Richard, I've seen your posts and know all to well that you sir are the fear monger and liar.

                      Name one thing that the republicans I talked about are'nt running on the specfic issues I talked about in my post and the potential outcome from those issues. Marxists, socialists, communist, nazi, muslim, mosques. Now really, who's doing the fear mongering? Now someone challenges you to your own game and you start whining. But then again you did say possibly. Then just don't whine, prove it to me so I might see your side of those issues. But Richard, I know you all to well by your posts and I know I should'nt expect anything more than your latest drive by reply.

                      • 2 votes
                      #13.9 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:44 PM EDT

                      Richard,

                      Just yesterday you were going to be all Christian, properly, and stay away from the name calling and all. I guess Feisty made the right call on you after all. You just seem to want the attention is all and to He!! with everyone else who is not a Bible-Thumping, idiotic, Rush and Beck mantra-repeating, non-self thinking right winger.

                      And I had such high hopes for you, Sheesh, guess that is what I get for starting to trust a Repub...NEVER AGAIN!!

                      • 2 votes
                      #13.10 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:22 PM EDT
                      Reply

                      First off I dont' consider all Repuplicans Tea Party members and vice versa. Just like I don't consider all Democrats Liberals. There is a fundamental difference between the two. I have a problem with the language, i.e. "Teabaggers" "Repuplikkkans" "Dumbocrats" etc.

                      • 1 vote
                      Reply#14 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 4:53 PM EDT

                      JFK, thanks for clearing that up for me. I now understand what you meant. I personally don't like all the BS name calling either. I sometimes myself get caught up in all the slander from some on the right and unfortunately begin my own rant because it appears when I try to engage in debate, all I get is the typical fear mongering and hate spilled rhetoric leaving an honest debate about issues useless. Still, with that said, some of the issues I just mentioned, I feel we all should be concerned which way some of our leaders are intending to take this country and are genuinely concerned some of those out there are more interested in voting for someone based on hate, fear, and distractions instead of what is truly important to all of us as a nation. So when someone just responds that I'm an idiot, usually does'nt get a respected response. Next time maybe ask if I'm sure about what I said and try to engage me in an honest debate about those issues and I'm sure I'll tone down my responses in the future. But continue to try s%$# on everyone on this board because they disagree with you , then please don't expect much from me in return.

                      • 1 vote
                      #14.1 - Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:14 PM EDT
                      Reply
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