Business Groups Going Directly to the Airwaves on Behalf of Candidates

Wilson called the ads “a huge factor” in her narrow loss to Pearce, who now faces Democratic Rep. Tom Udall in the general election. “If we lose that Senate seat, Republicans in the Senate are going to have the Club for Growth to blame,” Wilson said.

Shaky Political Marriage

While the Chamber and other business groups are putting their money behind GOP candidates in targeted races, the party’s congressional campaign fundraising arms are feeling a little neglected.

“A lot of business people have flipped over and given money to the Democrats,” said Sen. Orrin G. Hatch , R-Utah. “We need the business community to wake up.”

Among the biggest PACs, the National Association of Realtors, the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Credit Union National Association are all giving more money to Democratic candidates than to Republicans this year, after preferring Republicans four years ago.

The Realtors’ PAC has given $1.76 million to Democrats and $1.35 million to Republicans during this election cycle. During the last presidential cycle, the Realtors’ PAC favored Republicans $2 million to $1.8 million.

The Realtors’ PAC spent $161,920 in September on advertising in support of Rep. Ciro D. Rodriguez , D-Texas; $238,308 on ads for Rep. Jerry McNerney , D-Calif.; and $382,500 on ads for Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski , D-Pa.

The Credit Union PAC has given $955,250 to Democrats and $872,799 to Republicans this cycle. In 2004, the PAC preferred Republicans, with $1.8 million going to the GOP and $537,000 to Democrats. The credit unions have spent $135,664 on direct mail supporting an unsuccessful House candidate in Maine, Democrat Adam Cote.

“Your relationship with downtown is based on power,” said National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole of Oklahoma. “They’re not true believers. I respect that. Yeah, we’d like to get more support. Sure. Do we think they’re running a big risk? Yes.”

Cole’s committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee have been working to try to hold their own in the fundraising competition despite being in the minority in both chambers.

After raising $90 million through July 31, compared with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s $115 million, the House GOP panel asked Drew Maloney, managing director at Ogilvy Government Relations, to work part time on improving relations with the business community. Maloney was an aide to former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas (1985-2006).

Congressional Republicans are warning that businesses will need Senate Republicans to be able to successfully filibuster legislation (HR 800) that would allow union organizers to bypass elections when a majority of employees sign cards certifying a union. They also warn of tax hikes and increases in the federal minimum wage.

Businesses have tried “to ingratiate themselves with the Democratic majority,” said a Republican campaign operative. “That love affair is slowly crumbling as they continue to pass more anti-business legislation.”

Business Groups Going Directly to the Airwaves on Behalf of Candidates

An energy lobbyist said donor fatigue has set in, and it’s difficult to persuade someone in, for instance, the coal business that they should open their Rolodexes and bundle contributions while presidential candidates in both parties are criticizing coal-burning.

“Even within the party, some of the struggle has been mobilizing the traditional tree-shakers,” the lobbyist said. “It’s not just oil companies and energy companies that are being attacked.”