UPDATE Koch Candidates? Where Is the Koch Machine Spending in 2016 So Far

By Lisa Graves and David Armiak

UPDATE: Following the initial publication of this article, The Center for Media and Democracy uncovered additional "Koch Candidates" in the 2016 election through an examination of additional filings by KochPAC. We have added these candidates below. In addition, we have made updates to contribution totals of the "Koch Candidates" from our first report.

Recent articles in the national media, such as this piece in the National Review, suggest that Charles and David Koch are less involved in national politics in the 2016 election cycle than in previous years. This latest PR effort comes despite the fact that $400 million of the $889 pledge by the Kochs through their "Freedom Partners" network has already been invested in the outcome of the 2016 elections, with more money to be spent.

A close examination of campaign finance disclosures and other data reveals that Team Koch has already identified some of their candidates for 2016 and in many cases has already started spending big on behalf of candidates in races for the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, state Governorships and state Attorney General races--as the presidential tickets remain unsettled and controversial.

The Center for Media and Democracy/PRWatch (CMD) looked at disclosed donations by Koch Industries' KochPAC. This is limited to the donations that are required to be disclosed under federal and state law but, as the Nation and others have documented, Koch Industries also attempts to indoctrinate its employees on who and what to vote for or against, as documented here.

CMD also examined the activities of the Aegis Strategic PAC. Aegis Strategic is a Koch-funded political consulting firm that seeks to "help electable advocates of the freedom and opportunity agenda who will be forceful at both the policy and political levels." The company is owned and run by Jeff Crank, a Koch operative who previously served as state director for the Colorado arm of David Koch's "Americans for Prosperity" operation.

The Kochs' Freedom Partners has provided at least $1 million to Aegis Strategic since its founding, and Mother Jones has reported that "People who've spoken with Crank about Aegis say he told them that the firm has access to the Kochs' formidable donor network."

CMD also reviewed news reports and press releases on the activities of a variety of Koch electioneering vehicles, including Americans for Prosperity, Freedom Partners Action Fund, Concerned Women for American, Concerned Veterans for America, and the 60 Plus Association.

Notably, much of this research is focused on disclosed spending through Political Action Committee reports, but the bulk of the Koch network spending is through dark money vehicles that don't disclose the donors or the recipients of the Koch-fueled largesse.

Spending by the Koch dark money network usually comes in the form of big ad buys on TV and the internet, framed as "issue ads" closer to elections, along with robo-calls, door-knocking with candidate-specific door hangers, rallies, and other operations that are more visible nearer to the elections.

Also, the Kochs have bankrolled an array of groups to aid in their ambitions--such as Libre, Generation Opportunity, and the like--that don't report spending in elections but are poised to try to impact the elections. Their activities are not part of this tally issued by CMD.

The latest Koch spin about their engagement in electoral politics must be viewed in light of past claims about what counts as electoral politics. For example, as CMD wrote in the last presidential race, David Koch's Americans for Prosperity claimed to the press that the $10 million it spent in the weeks leading up to the recall election of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker "had nothing to do with any candidates, political parties or ongoing races." But audio obtained by Lauren Windsor and the Undercurrent revealed that at the semi-annual Koch billionaires' conclave, Americans for Prosperity was described as a "tremendous partner" in Walker's win.

So, disclosed spending is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Koch machine's activities to help win the elections they target.

Here are the Koch Candidates identified so far, based on disclosed donations or other visible support.

New Additions (May 26, 2016)

U.S. House of Representatives

Alabama

Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) received $1,000 from KochPAC to Gary Palmer for Congress.

 

Arizona

 

Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-06) received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to his Defending America's Values Everywhere (TEAM DAVE).

 

Arkansas

 

Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) received $2,500 from KochPAC to Western for Congress.

 

California

 

Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-04) received $5,000 in contributions from KochPAC to McClintock for Congress.

Rep. Jeff Denham (CA-10) received $1,000 in a contribution from KochPAC.

Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-22) received a $4,500 contribution from KochPAC to Devin Nunes Campaign Committee. He also received a $5,000 contribution to his New PAC from KochPAC.

Rep. Ed Royce (CA-39) received $1,000 in a contribution from KochPAC.

 

Colorado

 

Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04) received a $2,000 contribution from KochPAC to Buck for Colorado 2016.

Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05) received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to Lamborn for Congress.

 

Florida

 

Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-03) received a $1,000 contribution from KochPAC to Ted Yoho for Congress.

 

Georgia

 

Rep. Tom Price (GA-06) received a $1,500 contribution from KochPAC to Price for Congress. He also received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to his Voice for Freedom PAC.

Rep. Rob Woodall (GA-07) received $4,000 from KochPAC to Rob Woodall for Congress.

Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08) received $3,500 in contributions from KochPAC to Austin Scott for Congress Inc.

Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09) received $3,000 in contributions from KochPAC to Collins for Congress.

Rep. Jody Hice (GA-10) received a $1,000 contribution from KochPAC to Jody Hice for Congress.

 

Idaho

 

Rep. Raul Labrador (ID-01) received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to Raul Labrador for Idaho.

 

Illinois

 

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) received $1,000 from KochPAC to Kinzinger for Congress.

 

Iowa

 

Rep. Rod Blum (IA-01) received a contribution of $4,000 from KochPAC to Blum for Congress.

Rep. Steve King (IA-04) received a contribution of $1,000 to King for Congress.

 

Kansas

 

Rep. Tim Huelskamp (KS-01) received a contribution of $2,500 from KochPAC to Kansans for Huelskamp.

Rep. Mike Pompeo (KS-04) received a contribution of $5,000 to his CAVPAC from KochPAC.

 

Louisiana

 

Rep. Steve Scalise (LA-01) received $5,000 in contributions from KochPAC to his Eye of the Tiger PAC.

Rep. Garret Graves (LA-06) received $5,000 in contributions from KochPAC to Garret Graves for Congress.

 

Maryland

 

Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) received $1,500 from KochPac to Andy Harris for Congress.

 

Minnesota

 

Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) received $3,500 in contributions from KochPAC to Friends of Erik Paulsen. He also received $4,000 from KochPAC to his ICE PAC.

Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06) received $3,000 in contributions from KochPAC to Emmer for Congress.

Incumbent Democrat Rep. Collin Peterson (MN-07) received $1,500 from KochPAC to his Valley Political Action Committee. KochPAC also donated $1,000 to Peterson for Congress.

 

Missouri

 

Rep. Jason Smith (MO-08) received a $2,500 contribution from KochPAC to Jason Smith for Congress.

 

New Mexico

 

Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-02) received a $1,000 contribution from KochPAC to People for Pearce.

 

North Carolina

 

Rep. Mark Walker (NC-06) received $2,500 from KochPAC to Walker 4 NC.

Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07) received $1,000 from KochPAC to David Rouzer for Congress.

 

Ohio

 

Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-04) received $3,500 in contributions from KochPAC to Jim Jordan for Congress.

Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06) received $2,500 in contributions from KochPAC to Johnson for Congress.

 

Oklahoma

 

Rep. Jim Bridenstine (OK-01) received $1,000 in a contribution from KochPAC to Friends of Jim Bridenstine Inc.

Rep. Steve Russell (OK-05) received a $1,000 contribution from KochPAC to Steve Russell for Congress.

 

Oregon

 

Rep. Greg Walden (OR-02) received a $1,500 contribution from KochPAC to his New Pioneers PAC.

 

Pennsylvania

 

Rep. Glenn Thompson (PA-05) received a $1,000 contribution from KochPAC to Friends of Glenn Thompson.

Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15) received $5,000 from KochPAC to Charlie Dent for Congress.

 

South Carolina

 

Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) received $2,500 to Joe Wilson for Congress Committee.

Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC-05) received $5,000 from KochPAC to Marketplace Ideas and Conservative Knowledge PAC-Mick PAC.

 

Tennessee

 

Rep. Diane Black (TN-06) received $7,500 in contributions from KochPAC to Defending and Investing in America's New Endeavors PAC (DIANE PAC).

 

Texas

 

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX-05) received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to Jobs, Economy and Budget Fund (JEB FUND). He also received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to Friends of Jeb Hensarling.

Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-08) received $6,000 in contributions from KochPAC to Brady for Congress.

Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10) received a $3,000 contribution from KochPAC to McCaul for Congress, Inc.

Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) received a $1,000 contribution from KochPAC to Weber for Congress.

Rep. Lamar Smith (TX-21) received $4,000 in contributions from KochPAC to Texans for Lamar Smith.

Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) received $3,500 in contributions from KochPAC to his Olson for Congress Committee.

Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX-24) received $4,000 in contributions from KochPAC to his Kenny Marchant for Congress.

Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25) received $5,000 in contributions from KochPAC to Roger Williams for U S Congress Committee.

Rep. Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to Michael Burgess for Congress.

Rep. Blake Farenthold (TX-27) received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to Elect Blake Farenthold Committee.

Rep. Pete Sessions (TX-32) received a $2,500 contribution from KochPAC to Pete Sessions for Congress.

 

Utah

 

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (UT-03) received a $2,500 contribution from KochPAC to Friends of Jason Chaffetz.

 

Virginia

 

Rep. Robert Hurt (VA-05) received a $2,500 contribution from KochPAC to Help Unite Republicans Today Political Action Committee.

Rep David Brat (VA-07) received a $2,500 contribution from KochPAC to Friends of Dave Brat Inc.

 

Washington

 

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) received $2,500 from KochPAC to Cathy McMorris Rodgers for Congress.

 

West Virginia

 

Rep. Evan Jenkins (WV-03) received $4,000 from KochPAC to Jenkins for Congress.

 

Wisconsin

 

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (WI-01) received $71,000 to from to Team Ryan, $6,000 to Ryan for Congress, and $5,000 to Prosperity Action, Inc. from KochPAC.

Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) received $1,500 from KochPAC to Sensenbrenner Committee.

Rep. Sean Duffy (WI-07) received $4,000 in a contribution from KochPAC to his AX PAC.

Rep. Reid Ribble (WI-08) received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to his Titletown PAC.

 

U.S. Senate

 

Alabama

Sen. Jefferson Sessions (R-AL) received $1,000 in support from KochPAC to his Tallatchee Creek Inc. PAC.

 

Connecticut

 

Candidate August Wolf (R) received a $1,000 contribution from KochPAC to August Wolf for Senate.

 

Georgia

 

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) received $3,000 in support from KochPAC to Georgians for Isakson.

 

Kansas

 

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) received $5,000 in support from KochPAC to his Free State PAC.

 

Missouri

 

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) received $5,000 from KochPAC to his Rely on Your Beliefs Fund.

 

Oklahoma

 

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) received $4,000 in contributions from KochPAC to Families for James Lankford.

 

South Carolina

 

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) received $2,500 from KochPAC to Tim Scott for Senate. He also received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to Tomorrow Is Meaningful PAC-Tim PAC.

 

(Original List May 17, 2016)

 

U.S. House of Representatives

Alabama

Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) received $3,000 (updated 5/26) to his Robert Aderholt for Congress.

 

Arizona

 

Martha McSally (AZ-02) appears to be backed by Aegis Strategic and its PAC. Although she is not listed on its PAC site, AegisPAC contributed $13,200 to her campaign.

 

Colorado

 

Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03) received $3,000 in contributions from KochPAC in late March to VoteTipton.com.

 

Georgia

 

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) received $1,000 from KochPAC to Loudermilk for Congress in late March.

 

Indiana

 

Jim Banks (IN-03) is backed by Aegis Strategic and its PAC. He received $26,000 (updated 5/26) in contributions to Jim Banks for Congress from Aegis PAC.

Rep. Todd Rokita (IN-04) received a contribution of $5,000 (updated 5/26) to Hoosiers for Rokita, Inc. from KochPAC.

Rep. Susan Brooks (IN-05) received $4,500 (updated 5/26) in contributions to Friends of Susan Brooks from KochPAC.

Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) received a contribution of $2,500 to Luke Messer for Congress in late March from KochPAC.

 

Kentucky

 

Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY-02) received $1,500 (updated 5/26) in contributions from KochPAC to Guthrie for Congress.

Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06) received $5,000 (updated 5/26) in contributions to Andy Barr for Congress, Inc.

 

Michigan

 

Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-02) received $6,000 (updated 5/26) in contributions to Huizenga for Congress.

Rep. Dave Trott (MI-11) received a $1,500 contribution from KochPAC in late March to Trott for Congress, Inc.

 

Minnesota

 

Stewart Mills is running to unseat incumbent Rep. Rick Nolan (MN-08). KochPAC gave Friends of Stewart Mills $5,000.

 

Nebraska

 

Don Bacon (NE-02) is backed by Aegis Strategic and its PAC. He has received $22,600 in contributions through AegisPAC. The Koch-funded Concerned Women for America has also endorsed Bacon.

 

New Hampshire

 

Pam Tucker (NH-01) is backed by Aegis Strategic and its PAC. (Update 5/26, Tucker was removed from the site. She has suspended her campaign.) Jeffrey Crank, President of Aegis Strategic has contributed $300 to her campaign. AegisPAC also contributed $13,500 (updated 5/26) to Friends of Pam Tucker.

 

New Jersey

 

Rep. Scott Garret (NJ-05) received $4,000 (update 5/26) from KochPAC to his Scott Garrett for Congress.

 

New York

 

Rep. Lee Zeldin (NY-01) is backed by Aegis Strategic and its PAC. Zeldin received $24,600 (updated 5/26) from Aegis PAC.

John Faso (NY-19) is backed by Aegis Strategic and its PAC. Faso received $22,600 from AegisPAC.

Rep. Chris Collins (NY-27) received a $1,500 contribution from KochPAC to Collins for Congress.

 

North Carolina

 

Rep. George Holding (NC-13) is retiring from his current seat to run in the 2nd District. KochPAC has contributed $1,000 to George Holding for Congress, Inc. in support of his bid. The Kochs' Americans for Prosperity (AFP) also recently took out a six figure ad campaign to attack incumbent Rep. Renee Elmers (NC-02), his opponent in the Republican primary. Rep. Elmers (NC-02) lost in the North Carolina GOP primary on June 7, 2016.

Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08) received $2,500 from KochPAC to Hudson for Congress in late March.

Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10) received $2,500 from KochPAC to McHenry for Congress in late March.

 

North Dakota

 

Rep. Kevin Cramer (ND) received a $1,000 contribution from KochPAC to Cramer for Congress.

 

Ohio

 

Rep. Jim Renacci (OH-16) received $5,000 (updated 5/26) in contributions from KochPAC to Jim Renacci for Congress.

 

Oklahoma

 

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) received a $2,500 contribution from KochPAC to his Mullin for Congress in late March.

 

Pennsylvania

 

Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-03) received $2,500 (updated 5/26) in contributions from KochPAC to Mike Kelly for Congress.

Rep. Scott Perry (PA-04) received a $4,000 contribution from KochPAC to Patriots for Perry in late March.

Rep. Bill Shuster (PA-09) received a $2,500 contribution contribution from KochPAC to Bill Shuster for Congress.

Rep. Keith Rothfus (PA-12) received $4,000 from KochPAC to Rothfus for Congress in late March.

 

Texas

 

Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17) received a $2,000 contribution from KochPAC to Bill Flores for Congress.

 

Utah

 

Rep. Mia Love (UT-04) received $2,500 (updated 5/26) in contributions from KochPAC to Friends of Mia Love.

 

Virginia

 

Rep. Mogan Griffith (VA-09) received a $5,000 contribution from KochPAC to Morgan Griffith for Congress in late March.

 

Wisconsin

 

Rep. Glenn Grothman (WI-06) received $7,500 in contributions from KochPAC to Glenn Grothman for Congress in late March.

 

U.S. Senate

 

Alabama

Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) received support from the Koch-funded 60 Plus Association through a robocall campaign. The group did not disclose how much it spent. He has also received a total of $7,500 in contributions from KochPAC. (updated 5/26)

 

Nevada

 

Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV) has been a recipient of Koch electoral support for many years. The Center for Media and Democracy previously reported that "Koch Industries has been one of Rep. Heck's top contributors throughout his career, and Heck voted with Koch-held positions nearly 90 percent of the time in 2015. In 2014, the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity also ran a $200,000 advertisement in support of Heck." In Heck's race for the NV senate seat left open by Harry Reid, another Koch-funded group, Concerned Veterans for America has been placing ads supporting Heck with a $700,000 broadcast and digital ad buy. The Kochs' Freedom Partners Action Fund spent $1,036,945 on ads opposing Heck's opponent, Catherine Masto, in late April-early May. Friends of Joe Heck received $2,500 from KochPAC in late March. AegisPAC backs Heck as well.

 

North Carolina

 

Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) received $4,000 in contributions (updated 5/26) from the Koch PAC to the Richard Burr Committee.

 

North Dakota

 

Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) received a $2,500 contribution from the KochPAC to Hoeven for Senate in late March.

 

Ohio

 

The Kochs support incumbent Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) in his bid for reelection. Charles Koch has donated $2,900 to his campaign. The Koch Industries PAC has contributed $2,000 to his campaign as well. Portman's opponent, Former Gov. Ted Stickland (OH) has been attacked by the Kochs' Freedom Partners Action Fund. A $2 million TV and digital ad buy was taken out by the group criticizing his tax and spending policies as governor. AegisPAC backs Portman, too.

 

Pennsylvania

 

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) received $10,000 from KochPAC to Friends of Pat Toomey. Aegis Strategic's PAC is also backing Toomey. Toomey's PAC received $30,000 from Aegis PAC as well. (updated 5/26)

 

Wisconsin

 

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) is backed by Aegis Strategic and Aegis PAC. He received donations from Aegis PAC for $30,000 in 2015-2016. The Kochs' right-hand man Richard Fink, who has worked for the Kochs and advised them for decades, has donated $2,700 to Johnson. Americans for Prosperity has rolled out a $1.1 million campaign in support of Johnson. In addition to the TV spot, the group will support a door knocking campaign in La Crosse, Waukesha and Milwaukee. The Kochs' Freedom Partners Action Fund spent $2,025,048.99 attacking Russ Feingold, Johnson's opponent in late April-early May.

 

State Governor Races

 

Indiana

Koch's are backing Gov. Mike Pence in his battle for reelection. Americans for Prosperity are running ads in the state supporting him. Marc Short, longtime Koch operative, is reported to be advising Pence since Sen. Marco Rubio's (R-FL) presidential campaign imploded.

 

Montana

 

Aegis Strategic and its PAC are backing Greg Gianforte for Governor. (Update 5/26, Gianforte was removed from the site after this article was first published.) The Kochs' Americans for Prosperity sponsored a public talk by Gianforte on September 17, 2015 at Montana State University.

North Carolina

Although no Koch money supporting Pat McCrory (R) could be identified yet this year in his race against State Attorney General Roy Cooper, in the fall of 2015 the Kochs' Americans for Prosperity took out a six-digit ad buy praising the Governor for cutting personal income and corporate tax rates. Koch operative Art Pope, who has served on the board of the Kochs' Americans for Prosperity and is an alum of the American Legislative Exchange Council, was his budget director in his first years in the governorship.

 

West Virginia

 

Aegis Strategic and its PAC are backing Bill Cole for Governor. Aegis contributed $1,000 to Cole's campaign in August 2015. The Kochs' Freedom Partners Action Fund donated $100,000 to his PAC Accelerate West Virginia.

 

The Kochs and their various operations have a history of also getting involved in school board races--as with Colorado, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and more--in addition to some initiative fights, which are not covered in Part 1 of this special report.

 

This snapshot focuses on the federal and statewide races so far, but there is more to come, especially as the season for so-called "issue ads" ramps up in the coming months and as the ground game--like the Kochs' Americans for Prosperity Grassroots Leadership Academy-trained organizers--gets deployed along with Koch-orchestrated bus tours or rallies in the autumn.

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CMD's Deputy Director Mary Bottari contributed to this special report. Originally published May 17, 2016.

Disclosure: Lauren Windsor works with CMD on select projects.