One of the most bizarre things during last night’s VA-07 debate, other than basically every word Dave Brat said, was his bizarre complaints about special interest money in politics. To say this is lacking in honesty and self awareness, given that Brat is basically a wholly-owned subsidiary of corporate America. Heck, Brat even made the Big Money 20 this July for his “terrible record of doing the bidding of mega-donors at the expense of hardworking Virginians” and for becoming “a top destination for Big Money special interests looking for influence in Congress.” So for Brat of all people to complain about money in politics is a bit…uh…rich?
With that, check out the following TV ad and press release from End Citizens United, which notes – accurately – that Dave Brat has become a big “part of the problem” in Congress, taking “thousands from the pharmaceutical industry,” then voting “vot[ing] against protecting seniors’ access to affordable prescriptions” and “even vot[ing] to give drug companies billions in new tax breaks, while they make record profits.” More broadly, as End Citizen United’s President puts it, “In Washington, Congressman Dave Brat has embraced the rigged system with open arms by doing the bidding of special interests that fund his campaigns at the expense of Virginia families.” The question is, why would anyone want to vote for that? Especially when Brat’s also one of the most extreme members of Congress, part of the far-right “Freedom Caucus” of “Gym Jordan,” no less. On November 6, make sure you vote for Abigail Spanberger, who has spent HER life serving her country – not special interests – instead!
NEW ECU Ad: The Rigged System and Dave Brat Are One and the Same
Brat took thousands from Big Pharma, voted against protecting seniors’ access to affordable prescriptions
Abigail Spanberger rejects corporate PAC money and is making reform a top priority
End Citizens United (ECU) today launched a new TV ad in Virginia exposing Congressman Dave Brat for taking money from the pharmaceutical industry and voting against protecting access to affordable prescriptions for seniors. Brat also voted to give drug companies billions in tax breaks while they make record profits.
The ad, titled “Rigged,” is part of a $712,000 ad campaign that includes television ads, digital ads, and direct mail.
“In Washington, Congressman Dave Brat has embraced the rigged system with open arms by doing the bidding of special interests that fund his campaigns at the expense of Virginia families,” said ECU President Tiffany Muller. “Too many senior citizens in Virginia are struggling to access affordable prescriptions and they’re left out to dry because politicians like Rep. Brat put special interests ahead of people. That’s a stark contrast with Abigail Spanberger, who’s rejecting corporate PAC money and won’t be bought by corporate special interests when she’s in Congress.”
The $712,000 ad buy includes: $592,000 in broadcast and cable television ads, which will run from October 16-29; $70,000 in digital ads; and $50,000 in direct mail.
Last week, ECU filed an ethics complaint against Brat for violating campaign finance rules and failing to properly disclose income from his book. ECU endorsed Spanberger in April, citing her support for reform legislation and commitment to curbing the influence of Big Money special interests in politics. Spanberger, who rejects corporate PAC money, is making reform a major focus of her campaign and has aired several ads that include reform messaging. ECU President Tiffany Muller, along with Rep. John Sarbanes, recently traveled to VA-07 to promote Spanberger’s reform agenda. Spanberger was a leader of the coalition of 107 House challenger candidates who sent a letter to the House of Representatives demanding that a reform bill be the first item on the agenda in 2019.
Click here for supporting information for “Rigged.”
Full script below:
VO: In Washington – a rigged system.
VO: Where big donors profit while we pay the price. And Congressman Brat’s become part of the problem.
VO: Brat took thousands from the pharmaceutical industry…
VO: …and voted against protecting seniors’ access to affordable prescriptions.
VO: He even voted to give drug companies billions in new tax breaks, while they make record profits.
VO: Congressman Brat is part of the problem.
Unlike dark money groups, ECU is entirely transparent and every penny is disclosed with the Federal Election Commission. Unlike Super PACs, ECU adheres to contribution limits and is entirely grassroots-funded with an average contribution of $14.
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