A Democrat super PAC, funded by a left-wing dark money nonprofit, has entered the Republican congressional primary in Colorado, sparking controversy over potential interference in the race. Rocky Mountain Values PAC, backed by the Sixteen Thirty Fund, has injected over $300,000 into supporting former Republican state Rep. Ron Hanks while attacking his conservative stance and ties to former President Trump. Hanks is competing in a six-way primary for Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, vacated by GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert.
The move is seen as an attempt by Democrats to influence the primary outcome, with the belief that Hanks may be a weaker opponent against Democrat Adam Frisch compared to Republican Jeff Hurd, who is leading in polls. The Sixteen Thirty Fund provided substantial financial support to Rocky Mountain Values PAC, raising questions about external influence in the Republican primary.
The GOP-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund has responded by spending approximately $400,000 on ads criticizing Hanks' record on issues like gun control and his alignment with Trump's policies. Frisch has also invested in attacking Hurd, indicating a heated primary battle in the district.
The involvement of left-wing groups in Republican primaries has become a common trend, with Democrats strategically supporting candidates they perceive as weaker to secure a favorable opponent in the general election. However, this strategy has faced criticism and skepticism from political experts, with some cautioning against propping up 'far-right' candidates in swing districts.
In a bid to defeat extreme Colorado Republicans, Rocky Mountain Values PAC remains committed to its mission, as stated by a spokesperson for the PAC. The ongoing dynamics in the Colorado congressional primary underscore the complex interplay between party politics and external influences in shaping electoral outcomes.
