WASHINGTON, D.C.—Political Action Committees (PAC) and political party committees continue to pour millions of dollars into the heated race for North Carolina’s 7th Congressional seat.
As Republican hopeful State Sen. David Rouzer of Johnston County takes on eight-term Blue Dog Democrat U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre of Lumberton, PACs and party committees for both candidates have taken a financial interest in the race.
In fact, nearly $2 million has been pumped into the race from outside sources—mainly the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
According to elections reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), more than $1.9 million has entered the 7th Congressional District race as of Sept. 20.
The NRCC has been outspending its Democratic counterparts, but the DCCC recently pumped more than $356,000 into the mix with media buys and production targeting Rouzer.
The House Majority PAC also spent about $200,000 in media buys and TV ads targeting Rouzer.
The NRCC spent more than $750,000 in recent weeks in ads supporting Rouzer and opposing McIntyre. Most of the recent spending was in ads opposing McIntyre’s re-election bid.
The Y.G. Action Fund spent more than $550,000 in media placement and production opposing McIntyre on Sept. 6.
While GOP spending is up over Democrats, McIntyre has a sizable lead over Rouzer when it comes to their individual campaign coffers.
According to the most recent FEC reports, which were filed June 30, McIntyre had more than $1 million cash on hand, while Rouzer had about $171,000 cash on hand.
The next campaign finance reports for candidates’ campaign committees are due to the FEC on Oct. 15.
PACs and party committees, however, are required to disclose spending to FEC officials more frequently. If more than $10,000 is spent, it must be reported to the FEC before the end of the second day after the communication is publically distributed.
