GOP wild card in US Senate race

Considerable clout

Of 29 congressional candidates endorsed by Club for Growth in 2010, all but two won their primaries, and 20 were elected in the fall, the Hill reported.

Since Jan. 1, 2011, Club for Growth has raised more than $9.2 million and spent more than $7 million on political campaigns, according to Federal Election Commission reports.

Does Chocola wield more power as Club for Growth president than he did as a congressman?

A member of the House has formal, governmental power voting on legislation and representing a particular district, Notre Dames Schmuhl said. However, as head of the Club for Growth, Chris Chocola possesses a larger megaphone and bigger wallet to influence and in some cases determine who will actually serve in Congress. Thats another kind of political clout, and, to my thinking, more potent and lasting.

This year, Mourdock is among 14 Senate and House candidates backed by Club for Growths PACs. Others include Josh Mandel, the GOP nominee for a Senate seat from Ohio, and at least five candidates who have beaten or are running against what the club says are Republican establishment candidates in primary elections.

Chocola said its too early to tell the extent of aid Club for Growth will provide Mourdock for the Nov. 6 election.

We continue to bundle contributions for Mourdock, Chocola said. Well see how much help he needs in the fall. Hes obviously got a lot of friends now. Hes been very successful in his fundraising.

We have Senate primaries yet to focus on before we get to the general election, he said.

But Club for Growth has already joined the general-election fray in Indiana. Since the May 8 primary election, it has issued news releases reminding media that Donnelly had voted for President Obamas health care law and for California Rep. Nancy Pelosi as House speaker.

Donnelly doesnt seem to take it personally.

We were opponents in two races, and they were both tough races, he said about Chocola. I never at any time since Ive been in Congress ever went back and criticized any of his decisions or the way he ran the office or anything like that.

Asked

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