Group with GOP links praises RFK Jr. as 'pro-choice,' 'progressive Democrat' in swing-state ads [View all]

Source: NBC News

July 26, 2024, 2:21 PM EDT


Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the subject of some notable new advertising — from a group with Republican ties and on a subject that is one of the Democratic Party’s key campaign issues. The new group, called “SAG PAC,” was established in June, according to a Federal Election Commission filing. It has not yet filed reports detailing any of its donors, but it is already running ads online, spending more than $137,000 so far on Google platforms, according to the platform’s ad disclosure portal.

The YouTube ads feature pictures of Kennedy alongside banners reading “pro-choice” and “progressive Democrat.” Meanwhile, a narrator says, “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to restore abortion rights nationally,” adding that he has “a long record fighting for abortion rights. That’s the real RFK.” The color scheme and tone of the ads are cheerful. And the group behind the ads has Republican connections.

Its bank account is at Chain Bridge Bank, a Virginia financial institution that has cornered the market on banking for Republican campaigns and PACs, including former President Donald Trump’s. (The pro-Kennedy super PAC has also used Chain Bridge Bank, while Kennedy’s campaign has used Amalgamated Bank, long favored by Democratic campaigns.). SAG PAC’s treasurer is Charles Gantt, who is listed on FEC filings holding the same position for numerous PACs backing Republican candidates.

The ads, which are concentrated in five swing states, come amid a furious battle for support in the 2024 presidential race — and questions about whether Kennedy’s presence on the ballot cuts more into Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ potential base or Trump’s. By calling Kennedy “pro-choice,” the ad appears designed to push away conservative voters who might be Kennedy-curious — or to attract voters who might otherwise vote for Harris.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/group-gop-links-praises-rfk-jr-choice-abortion-ads-rcna163800