Three GOP candidates aiming to win over voters as local champions
Democrats Accuse GOP Senate Candidates of Lacking State Ties in 2024 Election
Democrats are employing a powerful strategy from their 2022 midterm elections playbook by targeting three GOP Senate candidates and accusing them of not having strong connections to the states they aim to represent. This tactic proved successful in the Pennsylvania Senate race against Republican Mehmet Oz, who faced constant criticism from Democrats for residing in New Jersey while running in Pennsylvania. Now, Democrats are signaling that this will be a recurring campaign message in the upcoming 2024 election, especially as they strive to maintain their vulnerable Senate majority.
In Wisconsin, Montana, and Pennsylvania, Republican candidates are already facing scrutiny regarding their residency and ties to their respective states. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) is defending one of three toss-up races, while Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Bob Casey (D-PA) are considered to have a slight advantage.
If Democrats can convince voters that the Republican candidates lack strong connections to their states, it could potentially sway the balance in their favor and protect incumbents in what are expected to be highly competitive races in 2024.
Wisconsin — Eric Hovde
Eric Hovde, a Republican businessman and real estate mogul, recently launched his campaign to unseat Senator Tammy Baldwin. Despite being a Wisconsin native, Hovde is facing questions about his ties to California, where he owns a $7 million mansion and is recognized as one of the county’s most influential individuals. Hovde purchased a home in Madison in 2011 after residing in Washington, D.C., for 24 years.
Hovde is the CEO of Sunwest Bank, which has locations in multiple states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Florida, and Utah. However, the majority of Hovde’s business empire, including Hovde Properties, is based in Madison.
Baldwin’s campaign wasted no time in attacking Hovde, labeling him an “out-of-touch megamillionaire” shortly after his campaign website went live. Democratic groups are portraying him as a carpetbagger who left his California home to run for Senate in his home state.
During his campaign launch, Hovde emphasized his Wisconsin roots, highlighting his great-grandparents who settled in the state and his family’s business near Madison, which is now run by Hovde’s family. His campaign has pushed back against Baldwin and the Democrats’ accusations, asserting that he is a “fourth generation Wisconsinite” and truly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin.
Hovde faces an uphill battle against Baldwin, even with his substantial business success. Baldwin has garnered support from independents and voters outside of the Democratic strongholds in Madison and Milwaukee. She has amassed millions of dollars for her reelection campaign and has significant resources to bolster her campaign.
Montana — Tim Sheehy
Democrats have invested significant resources and effort into campaigning for Senator Jon Tester’s reelection, as his seat is one of the most vulnerable in this election cycle. They are particularly targeting Tim Sheehy, a Republican primary candidate and Minnesota native who has garnered support from establishment Republicans, GOP campaign arms, and former President Donald Trump. Sheehy is proving to be a formidable opponent, to the extent that Representative Matt Rosendale (R-UT) ended his Senate campaign shortly after launching it.
Democrats have dubbed Sheehy “Transplant Tim,” hoping to portray him as a newcomer to Montana, a state that places great importance on familial ties and authenticity. The Montana Democratic Party has even released an ad framing Sheehy as an “out-of-state tech millionaire… playing cowboy.”
Sheehy’s campaign is on the defensive, emphasizing that he visited Montana as a child and during his time as a former Navy SEAL. After leaving the military in 2014, Sheehy and his wife chose to make Montana their home to raise their family and start a business, aligning with their values.
Pennsylvania — David McCormick
Pennsylvania Democrats are employing a similar strategy against David McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO who lost in the primary against Mehmet Oz in 2022. McCormick himself acknowledged that Oz lost due to being perceived as an outsider from New Jersey, and now he is facing similar attacks regarding his residency in Connecticut.
McCormick, a Gulf War veteran, had previously highlighted his ownership of a home in Pittsburgh and a family farm near Bloomsburg. However, an Associated Press review of public records revealed that he still resides on Connecticut’s Gold Coast and rents a mansion in Westport, Connecticut, along the Long Island Sound.
Democrats have intensified their attacks on McCormick, focusing on his residency. When McCormick embarked on a bus tour, Casey’s campaign sent a mobile billboard to one of the events, highlighting that he was “216 miles away” from Westport. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party frequently shares stories and details about his Long Island mansion, including its impressive 1,500-bottle wine cellar.
McCormick is defending his Connecticut home, explaining that he has children from a previous marriage, and his youngest daughter is completing high school there. He remains committed to being a good father and will continue to split his time between Connecticut and Pennsylvania, even if there are political consequences.
National campaign groups for Republicans are standing up for their candidates, emphasizing that they offer a contrast to long-serving senators like Casey and Tester. They argue that while Republicans have recruited political outsiders with military and private sector experience, Senate Democrats are relying on career politicians who have spent decades in Washington.
Why has Sheehy gained significant support from Republicans despite attacks from Democrats?
, Sheehy returned to Montana and started a successful business that employs hundreds of Montanans. He is highlighting his commitment to the state and his understanding of the challenges faced by Montanans.
Despite the attacks from Democrats, Sheehy has gained significant support from Republicans, who see him as a strong candidate to unseat Tester. His military background and business success resonate with voters who value strength and leadership. Sheehy’s campaign is focusing on his conservative values and promises to fight for Montanans’ interests in Washington, D.C.
Pennsylvania — Kathy Barnette
Kathy Barnette, a conservative political commentator and veteran, is vying for the Republican nomination to challenge Senator Bob Casey. Democrats are already targeting Barnette as a candidate lacking strong connections to Pennsylvania, as she was born and raised in Mississippi and currently resides in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Democrats have referred to Barnette as a “carpetbagger” and are emphasizing her Mississippi roots to question her ability to understand and represent Pennsylvanians. They argue that Barnette is out of touch with the state’s needs and concerns.
Barnette’s campaign is highlighting her military service and her conservative values as reasons to support her candidacy. They argue that her background gives her a unique perspective and understanding of the struggles faced by everyday Pennsylvanians.
It remains to be seen how effective Democrats’ attacks on Barnette will be and whether she can overcome the residency issue. Casey is a well-established incumbent with substantial financial resources, making the race a challenging one for any Republican candidate.
Overall, Democrats are using the strategy of attacking GOP Senate candidates for lacking strong connections to the states they aim to represent. By portraying them as outsiders or carpetbaggers, Democrats hope to convince voters that their Republican opponents do not truly understand their state’s needs. These attacks could play a decisive role in the upcoming 2024 election, as Democrats strive to maintain their vulnerable Senate majority. The races in Wisconsin, Montana, and Pennsylvania will be closely watched, as they are expected to be highly competitive and could determine the balance of power in the Senate.
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