The National Republican Congressional Committee has canceled its remaining TV ad reservations for vulnerable Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA), TPM has confirmed, making him the first GOP incumbent the party has officially abandoned as it looks to save its House majority.
Rothfus is facing off against Rep. Conor Lamb (D-PA) in a swing district in the Pittsburgh suburbs, and has been viewed as an underdog in the race for some time.
But the national GOP’s decision to walk away from him marks the beginning of a new period for the campaign. The NRCC had until this point refused to give up on any of its incumbents in spite of a bleak national climate. That’s a tough conversation to have with any loyal foot soldier who can’t win their race but a necessary one to save valuable and scarce resources better used on races that can still be saved.
This move doesn’t come as a huge shock, but it could be a new inflection point for the NRCC. Other incumbent Republicans who strategists have privately said might be beyond saving include Reps. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) and Erik Paulsen (R-MN). The NRCC never placed a TV reservation for Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA), another member many strategists view as a goner.
The GOP ad-purchasing firm Medium Buying, which tracks campaign ad reservations, originally reported the cancellations. Two sources confirmed the cancellation to TPM.
Actually, they cancelled the Ad buy because they’re so sure he’ll win, it wasn’t necessary. I’m sure the base will buy that.
First, the PA gerrymandering decision.
Next, the Blue Tsunami.
Finally, the Judge Rapeypants nomination.
It’s official: The Pennsylvania Republican has just been placed on the Endangered Species List.
Enjoy the passenger pigeon while it lasts.
(boom explosion, rumbling)
Fade Up: Typical American Every Day Street - with an SUV in every driveway
VO: Your country is being destroyed while you sleep.
Cut to: Dark Hand reaching for blond female jogger from the bushes
VO: In times like these, it’s tax cuts that count - defend your country and your values by voting for…
(music disharmoniously trails off - screen blips to white)
in green Orator type over white:
TRT: 17 sec - cancel {Paid for by Republicans National Committee} ad bloc
as long as you don’t ask them to eat crow
What’s that smell? Could it be the GOP shitting its pants?