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 Partys 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 platforms 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. Thats 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 Trumps. (The pro-Kennedy super PAC has also used Chain Bridge Bank, while Kennedys campaign has used Amalgamated Bank, long favored by Democratic campaigns.). SAG PACs 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 Kennedys presence on the ballot cuts more into Democratic candidate Kamala Harris potential base or Trumps. 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