Alabama Shakes Washington

Judge Roy Moore won the Alabama runoff this week by 9.2 percentage points and it shook the GOP establishment in Washington like a 9.2 magnitude earthquake.

After spending a whopping $30 million in the race to nominate another pro-establishment Republican, the Beltway insiders have been utterly humiliated. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), his NRSC, his super PAC, and his Chamber of Cronyism were all embarrassed.

While some Republicans are still in denial, most are coming to terms with the fact that Republican primary voters are furious with congressional leaders who break their promises.

It’s become clear that the self-described “governing wing” of the party has no clue whatsoever on how to govern.

“One of the reasons there’s a space (for insurgents) is because we haven’t delivered,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). “If I’m a Republican out there, I’d be pissed off too.”

And many Republicans worry that they could be next.

“Oh yes,” said Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) when asked if he is concerned about facing a tough primary next year. “I think that will be more likely my toughest challenge.”

But there’s more. The party’s top political strategists now recognize that Mitch McConnell is a major liability for the party.

His support for liberal policies, his refusal to fight for the things he promised, and his hostility toward conservative candidates have all made him so toxic that he cost his candidate the race in Alabama.

Here’s how the New York Times described it:

Republicans increasingly worry that their base’s contempt for Mr. McConnell is more potent than its love for Mr. Trump. Mr. McConnell could be an anchor around incumbents in the same fashion as Representative Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic leader, who is routinely used to undermine Democratic candidates. The loudest applause Mr. Moore received during an election-eve rally came when he declared, “Mitch McConnell needs to be replaced.”

According to YouGov, McConnell’s image has taken a nose-dive this year as Republican voters witnessed his failure to govern.

McConnell’s job approval among voters who supported President Trump last year has fallen from +21% in February to +10% in June to -18% in August to a dismal -41% now.

Republican voters know that Mitch McConnell has to be replaced as the Senate leader in order to achieve their policy objectives. They want new leaders who keep their word and who won’t use their position to attack conservative candidates.

THANK YOU

I want to thank every SCF supporter again for being willing to stand and fight for principled leadership in Washington. While it is tempting at times to give up, you didn’t lose heart and won a major victory against unbelievable odds.

This was your victory!

We asked you if you wanted to take the risk and 97% not only said “Yes”, but you also contributed $250,000 to Roy Moore’s campaign and helped us spend an additional $500,000 promoting him, which included a powerful TV ad at a critical time in the race.

Thank you for your support. It is truly an honor to be able to fight by your side for the future of our country.