National Democratic group to spend $1.5 million on Kander's behalf in Missouri

WASHINGTON • The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will spend at least $1.5 million on behalf of U.S. Senate candidate Jason Kander in his race against incumbent Republican Sen. Roy Blunt.

An official with the Democratic committee confirmed the independent expenditure Monday. It’s the latest sign that Democrats see Missouri as a potential pickup. But it’s also a reflection of the reality that their attempts to take over the Senate are running into stumbling blocks in other states that once seemed promising for Democrats.

Kander, the Democratic secretary of state, has long been considered a dark-horse challenger, but polls this summer show him trailing Blunt only slightly. Those results, combined with Kander’s robust fundraising, have raised his profile nationally.

Chris Hayden, communications director for the Kander campaign, said the committee move shows the level of interest in Kander’s chances come November.

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