Gearing up: David Brock to launch outside group for 2012
With the White House now signaling it wants outside groups on the left to ramp up for 2012, Media Matters founder David Brock is in discussions to form a new group designed to raise and spend big bucks to counter the right's powerful new infrastructure, a person who's spoken directly with Brock about his plans tells me.
Brock's move represents the first clear sign that lefty Beltway power players will heed the White House's call to arms. It also indicates that they've decided the quasi-collapse of the campaign finance system has left them with no choice but to gear up in order to counter the massive spending of outfits like the U.S Chamber of Commerce and Karl Rove's groups.
"David is on the road right now talking to donors and strategists who would be interested in this," the source tells me, adding that Brock intends to create a 527, which has partial donor disclosure rules. "He's out pitching it right now."
"There's a general sense that in 2010 nothing was done and it cost Democrats," the source continues. "People realize, including in the White House, that something needs to be done in 2012 or progressives will suffer at the ballot box again."
Reached for comment, Media Matters spokesman Ari Rabin-Havt would only say: "No comment."
During the 2008 campaign, Obama famously directed outside liberal groups to close down and let his enormously successful fundraising operation dominate. But as the magnitude of the right's 2010 spending in the wake of the Citizens United decision became apparent, White House senior adviser David Axelrod began quietly signaling a new openness to outside spending on the left.
As Brock's efforts clearly show, the message has been received.
UPDATE, 2:42 p.m.: Brock tried to form a similar group against John McCain in 2008 but it was one of the groups Obama shut down. Things will be different this time around.
By Greg Sargent | November 10, 2010; 2:23 PM ET
Categories: 2010 elections, 2012, Campaign finance
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