Given our commitment to optimizing our Senate campaigns in every way possible, the NRSC held a digital summit in New York. As Mashable reported in a must-read piece, "Attendees learned everything from how to allocate resources for traditional television advertising and digital ads, to how to use Snapchat to humanize their candidate and reach younger voters — often the hardest to mobilize and excite to turn out to vote. They discussed ways to boost the effectiveness of television ads through promoted tweets and Facebook, as many people now surf social media platforms while watching TV. And they learned how to build communities on Reddit — where online communities can help grow grassroots support."
From communications to advertising to grassroots mobilization, we are dedicated to integrating digital into every aspect our campaigns.
We also hit the airwaves with television ads in both Nevada and Missouri. The spots highlight Catherine Cortez Masto’s reckless support for President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran and Jason Kander’s misplacement of taxpayer dollars.
In case you missed it, take a look at our new ads:
“Tell Cortez Masto: No To A Nuclear Iran”
[youtube url = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gpekCaoFJQ&feature=youtu.be"]
"Jason Kander’s Spending Party"
[youtube url = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHewkN8IPkY&feature=youtu.be"]
From gathering signatures in the Arizona sun to Winter Warrior voter outreach efforts in Ohio, check out some of our candidates’ top Instagram photos from the past month…
@portmanforsenate: Happy New Year from the Portmans!
@senlisamurkowski: Standing guard by the Supreme Court.
@ronjohnsonwi: Great meeting with grassroots leadership this morning in Green Bay! Thanks to everyone for their hard work! #TeamRonJon
@johnmccain: Gathering Signatures at Sundown. #TeamMcCain #azsen #politics
@portmanforsenate: Thanks to these winter warriors, another successful weekend of knocking doors across Ohio!
As we build upon last year’s historic successes at the NRSC, your continued support helps ensure that we will maintain and expand our Republican Senate majority in 2016.
Thank you for all that you do.
Ward Baker
NRSC Executive Director
P.S. If you would like to receive daily updates from our Communications Department please email Andrea Bozek at [email protected] to sign up for our Morning Business email.
To The States…
Arizona
Roll Call reported on the new ad highlighting Senator John McCain’s strong national security record.
The Arizona Daily Star reported on the contrast between Senator McCain’s criticism of and Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick’s support for President Obama’s unilateral executive actions on gun control.
The Daily Courier reported on Senator McCain’s legislative accomplishments as chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The Washington Free Beacon reported that Senator McCain exposed billions in government waste through his America Most Wasted report.
During National School Choice Week, Senator John McCain penned a Fox News op-ed on his support for charter schools, as well as greater opportunity and choice for students.
Colorado
Colorado Peak Politics reported that ahead of the State of the Union address, the NRSC held Senator Michael Bennet accountable for the frequency with which he votes with President Obama.
Colorado Peak Politics also reported that Senator Bennet again sided with President Obama by protecting his federal land grab.
The Washington Free Beacon reported that the Obama administration is preparing a plan to transfer Gitmo detainees to Colorado.
Florida
The Miami Herald reported trouble for Privileged Patrick Murphy, who trails Alan Grayson by 7 points.
Florida Politics reported that the Progressive Democrats of America endorsed Grayson over Murphy.
The Palm Beach Post reported that President Obama tapped Murphy to praise his new gun control orders.
The Associated Press made it clear that Privileged Patrick has some work left to do when it comes to rebuilding his image.
Illinois
Politico featured Senator Mark Kirk’s "Courage" among its list of the top political ads of 2015.
WCMY reported that Andrea Zopp continued to criticize national Democrats and the DSCC for meddling in the state’s messy primary.
The Chicago Tribune reported that after endorsing her Senate bid, Congressman Danny Davis invited Zopp to the State of the Union address as his guest.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that like Davis and Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers, Rev. Jesse Jackson endorsed Zopp over Tammy Duckworth.
Crain’s Chicago Business reported that Zopp slammed Duckworth for avoiding voters.
Crain’s Chicago Business also reported that Duckworth’s faux rage against Wall Street lacks authenticity given her contributions from and stock ownership in the very companies she rails against.
Reboot Illinois reported that during her recent speech at the City Club of Chicago, Zopp slammed Duckworth’s lack of leadership.
WICD-TV reported that Senator Kirk criticized President Obama’s reckless call to empty Guantanamo Bay following the State of the Union.
After two Iraqi refugees were arrested on terrorism charges, The Washington Free Beacon reported that Senator Kirk blasted the federal vetting system.
Meanwhile, the Daily Herald reported on Senator Kirk’s legislation to allow DHS to use social media to screen immigrants.
The Journal Star reported that Senator Kirk touted his national security record at the Stark County Republican Central Committee’s annual Lincoln Day Luncheon.
Missouri
The Missouri Times reported that a Democrat auditor delivered a blistering assessment of Jason Kander’s actions as Secretary of State – including misappropriating funds and handing out questionable raises during the state budget crisis.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch added that Republicans are holding Kander accountable for his carelessness by filing a Sunshine Law request seeking more information about the raises.
Politico Pro reported that after outraising him in the fourth quarter, Senator Roy Blunt has a two-to-one cash advantage over Kander.
The Hill also reported on Senator Blunt’s "significant cash advantage" over Kander.
The Associated Press reported on Senator Blunt’s criticism of President Obama’s gun control agenda.
Nevada
Politico Pro reported that the NRSC is back on the Nevada airwaves. The ads, running in both the Las Vegas and Reno markets, highlight Catherine Cortez Masto’s reckless support for President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran.
The Hill reported on Harry Reid’s harsh critique of his handpicked candidate. Reid said that "more work needs to be done" on Cortez Masto’s campaign.
Ralston Reports described Cortez Masto as a candidate with "D-List speaking abilities" who "sapped the energy" from the recent First in the West Caucus Dinner.
Following her recent interview with KLAS, Cortez Masto was called out by anchors Patrick Walker and Steve Sebelius for dodging questions – only answering one outright.
Dr. Joe Heck discussed President Obama’s unilateral action on guns and the need to properly fund mental health programs with KSNV.
Dr. Heck also penned an op-ed in the Las Vegas Asian Journal on his bipartisan efforts to ease the financial aid application process.
New Hampshire
Despite Governor Maggie Hassan’s grandstanding, WMUR-TV reported that she was outraised by Senator Kelly Ayotte. Senator Ayotte’s $2.1 million haul set a state record.
USA Today reported on Governor Hassan’s failure to close the fundraising gap with Senator Ayotte.
The New Hampshire Union Leader reported that Senator Ayotte announced 236 town chairs in 200 communities across the state.
In a recent interview with Politico, Hassan was called out for “hew[ing] relentlessly to talking points and political bromides.”
As a new site launched to expose her for going MIA on critical national security issues, former state senator Gary Lambert penned a Concord Monitor op-ed on Hassan’s "stunning lack of foreign policy knowledge."
The Union Leader editorial board blasted Governor Hassan for failing to embrace the state’s lowered business tax rates.
The Associated Press reported that Governor Hassan’s failed drug czar resigned after months of criticism.
Hours before Iran detained 10 American sailors, The Washington Free Beacon reported that Senator Ayotte led the charge to stop President Obama from lifting sanctions.
The Hill reported that Senator Ayotte pushed for stronger sanctions against North Korea following its hydrogen bomb test.
The Concord Monitor reported that Senator Ayotte visited the Concord Imaging Center to discuss the passage of her bipartisan PALS Act, which protects access to mammograms.
NH1 reported that Senator Ayotte toured a recovery center and discussed her efforts to combat the heroin and prescription opioid abuse epidemic.
Opportunity Lives praised Senator Ayotte for her commitment to solving the state’s heroin epidemic.
North Carolina
The News & Observer reported that the DSCC received scathing criticism for its latest coronation attempt and that Democratic Senate candidates Kevin Griffin and Chris Rey blasted primary opponent Deborah Ross for her work as state director of the ACLU.
The News & Observer also reported that Senator Richard Burr has $5.3 million on hand after outpacing Ross in the 4th quarter.
PoliticsNC reported on the Democratic fears that Ross is too far-left given her prior work for the ACLU.
Senator Burr penned an op-ed in The Hill on how the American SAFE Act’s new refugee vetting rules would enhance our national security.
Ohio
Cleveland.com‘s Henry J. Gomez wrote that "Ted Strickland’s 2016 is not off to a great start."
Politico Pro reported that Senator Rob Portman has more than $12 million cash on hand after raising $2.1 million in the fourth quarter. Senator Portman’s impressive haul set a state record.
Meanwhile, "Retread" Ted Strickland fell short of his own fundraising goals…again. As Northeast Ohio Media Group reported, Senator Portman entered 2016 with 6 times as much money on hand as "Retread" Ted.
National Journal reported on "Ted Strickland’s Ohio woes." As he approaches nearly a full year of campaigning for Senate in Ohio, Ted Strickland’s political comeback bid isn’t the juggernaut party leaders once hoped.
The Akron Beacon Journal editorial board twice called for debates this month between P.G. Sittenfeld and “Retread” Ted.
The Plain Dealer‘s editorial board blasted the DSCC’s coronation attempt and "Retread" Ted for his refusal to debate.
The Sandusky Register reported that just like WXVU, it was unable to schedule a primary debate due to "Retread" Ted’s refusal to participate.
The Blade columnist Keith Burris charged that "Retread" Ted has been “largely invisible” and “disappointing, to put it mildly.”
Former Democratic Leader Tracy Maxwell Heard also blasted "Retread" Ted for being "ghost" and "invisible."
Former Allen County Democratic Party chairman and Ohio State Lima political science professor Bill Angel told WLIO that Ohio Democrats made "a real mistake" by attempting to anoint "Retread" Ted and that Strickland’s aversion to debates "makes him look weak."
The Washington Free Beacon reported that "Retread" Ted’s policy of avoiding debates puts him at odds with…himself.
The Washington Free Beacon also reported that in addition to debate requests, "Retread" Ted has also remained silent about his support for ex-state treasurer Kevin Boyce, who is ensnared in a pay-to-play scheme.
The Columbus Dispatch reported that the Super PAC supporting Sittenfeld raised more than $733,000 in its first three and a half months.
Roll Call reported that "Retread" Ted’s primary problems have him running to the left on guns – putting the failed former governor in a tough spot.
Northeast Ohio Media Group reported that Sittenfeld held a news conference to highlight "Retread" Ted’s "misleading fiction" on guns.
Sittenfeld also spoke with WKRC-TV about his concern with "Retread" Ted’s "election year conversion" on guns and refusal to debate.
The Plain Dealer‘s former editorial director described Strickland’s "despicable gun lie" as "nauseating" and "deceptive."
The Hill reported that the super PAC supporting Sittenfeld launched a new ad bashing "Retread" Ted’s record on guns.
WKSU reported that Summit County Democrats – the state’s fourth largest county, endorsed Sittenfeld over "Retread" Ted.
The University of Minnesota’s Smart Politics reported that "Retread" Ted’s age and historically poor re-election loss make his candidacy "rather unusual."
The Hill reported that Senator Portman launched a new web ad highlighting "Retread" Ted’s disastrous record as a failed governor and congressman.
The Columbus Dispatch reported that Senator Portman visited officials and women in recovery at Amethyst drug treatment center.
WTTE reported that Senator Portman received the Liberator Award for his efforts to combat human trafficking.
Pennsylvania
The NRSC released the latest installment of “NRSC News,” a web ad highlighting Katie McGinty’s habit of using the “revolving door” to jump back and forth from public and private payroll, all for personal benefit.
The Morning Call reported on Senator Pat Toomey’s massive fourth quarter fundraising haul. Senator Toomey entered 2016 with $9.6 million on hand and collected donations from more than 10,000 contributors in Q4 alone.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that McGinty – the handpicked establishment candidate, only netted $300,000 last quarter.
The Morning Call reported that John Fetterman finally filed his overdue financial disclosure statement – only to report $54,000 received from his parents last year.
Senator Toomey penned a Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed with former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge on the importance of maintaining the sanctions on Iran.
PoliticsPA reported that Joe Sestak reaffirmed his support for President Obama’s nuclear deal. Sestak also claimed that despite test-firing ballistic missiles, “Iran has met its end of the deal.”
The Washington Free Beacon reported that Sestak also defended the Iranian Navy’s decision to capture 10 American sailors.
The Times Leader reported on Senator Toomey’s criticism of Mayor Jim Kenney for defying federal law by restoring Philadelphia’s sanctuary city status.
Meanwhile, PoliticsPA reported that McGinty’s position on Philadelphia’s sanctuary city status puts her at odds with President Obama, Katie McGinty for Senate campaign chairman Ed Rendell, and Senator Toomey.
PoliticsPA also reported that Senator Toomey’s campaign launched a new video criticizing McGinty, Sestak, and Fetterman for racing to the left on sanctuary cities.
The Pittsburgh City Paper caught McGinty using a volunteer as a plant on the campaign trail.
The Scranton Times-Tribune reported on Senator Toomey’s legislation to ensure that correctional officers are properly equipped to protect themselves.
Senator Toomey discussed his bipartisan efforts to combat opioid addiction with RealClearPolitics.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that national security has emerged as a critical issue in the Senate race featuring three Democrats who "are largely in line with the president."
PoliticsPA reported that Senator Lindsey Graham touted Senator Toomey and his leadership at the state party’s annual Lincoln Day Reception.
WPMT reported that Senator Toomey held a roundtable discussion with local Jewish leaders on the threat of Iran.
Wisconsin
The Washington Examiner reported on the importance of national security in the race between Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Ron Johnson and Russ Feingold, the former senator who voted against establishing the Department of Homeland Security.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Senator Johnson’s campaign launched digital ads to highlight his strong record on national security.
The Journal Sentinel also reported on the new radio ad targeting Senator Feingold for his failure to address problems at the Tomah VA after allegedly receiving a hand-delivered memo.
WXOW, WDIO and WBAY-TV reported that Senator Johnson held listening sessions to hear directly from Wisconsinites on national security.
Meanwhile, in contrast to Senator Johnson’s listening session with the people of Wisconsin, Senator Feingold directed WLUK-TV to a newspaper opinion piece for his views on national security.
The Hill reported that after President Obama’s State of the Union address, Senator Johnson concluded that "we don’t have a strategy" for defeating ISIS.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on the contrast between Senator Feingold’s continued support for President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran and Ron Johnson’s efforts to fight it tooth-and-nail.
The Journal Sentinel also reported that during a discussion on the issues at Marquette University Law School, Senator Feingold was forced to defend the erosion of his principles, his weak national security record, and support for ObamaCare.
After Iran held ten American sailors at gunpoint, Wisconsin Watchdog reported that Senator Feingold is still "all in on Obama nuclear deal with Iran."