Fact Finders: Are Missouri attorney general candidates taking out of state money?
2024-07-18
Missouri's Attorney General Race: A Closer Look at Out-of-State Funding
As the race for Missouri's Attorney General heats up, voters are closely scrutinizing the sources of funding for the candidates. In this article, we delve into the financial reports of the leading contenders to uncover the extent of out-of-state contributions and their potential impact on the election.
Uncovering the Influence of Out-of-State Donors
Republican Candidate Andrew Bailey: Balancing In-State and Out-of-State Support
Andrew Bailey, the Republican candidate for Missouri Attorney General, has reported a significant influx of funds in his latest quarterly campaign report. While the majority of his support, around 95%, comes from within the state, Bailey has also received donations from donors in New York, Florida, Illinois, and other states. This raises questions about the extent to which out-of-state interests may be influencing the race.Bailey's campaign manager has emphasized the strong in-state support, but the presence of out-of-state donors cannot be ignored. Voters will likely scrutinize the motivations and potential influence of these out-of-state contributors as they make their decision at the ballot box.
Democratic Candidate Elad Gross: Embracing Grassroots Support
In contrast, Elad Gross, the Democratic candidate, has reported a more modest fundraising haul of close to ,000 in the latest quarter. However, Gross has been quick to highlight that over 90% of his donations have come from within Missouri, suggesting a strong grassroots base of support.Gross has been vocal about the influx of out-of-state money into the race, stating that "out-of-state money is flowing into Missouri's race for Attorney General." This stance may resonate with voters who prioritize local representation and are wary of outside influence in state-level elections.
Republican Candidate Will Scharf: Embracing a Broader Conservative Network
The Republican candidate Will Scharf has reported a substantial fundraising haul of 0,000 in the latest quarter. Unlike his counterparts, Scharf's campaign does not track the percentage of donations that come from in-state sources.Scharf has expressed pride in the support he has received from "outstanding conservatives here in Missouri and around the country," suggesting a broader network of conservative donors, both within and outside the state. This approach may appeal to voters who prioritize ideological alignment over geographic proximity.
The Role of Political Action Committees (PACs)
In addition to the individual candidates, the race for Missouri Attorney General has also attracted the attention of various Political Action Committees (PACs). The Club for Growth Action-Missouri Federal Committee and the Liberty and Justice PAC have been actively involved in supporting candidates in this and other races.The presence of these PACs adds another layer of complexity to the campaign finance landscape, as they can potentially channel significant resources from outside the state to influence the outcome of the election.As voters in Missouri prepare to cast their ballots, the issue of out-of-state funding in the Attorney General race will undoubtedly be a topic of intense scrutiny and debate. The candidates' ability to navigate this landscape and effectively communicate their positions to the electorate will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of this high-stakes contest.