Rep. Beto O'Rourke (on left) and Sen. Tim Kaine are two Democrats who appear to be using the lack of response to Moore allegations against Republican opponents. Photos: Carolyn Kaster and Chuck Burton / AP
Democrats are working to use the sexual misconduct allegations against Roy Moore to campaign against Republicans up for elections in 2018 and some are using the controversy to try and raise funds for themselves, Politico reports.
Why it matters: They're making it an electoral issue when Republicans can likely do the same and spin it right back at them, given Sen. Al Franken's misconduct with journalist Leeann Tweeden. Bottom line is you can expect this issue to play out in 2018 campaign messages, and candidates on both sides of the aisle will be expected to answer for their colleague's behavior and alleged misconduct at the polls, according to Politico.
Democratic opposition research group American Bridge is targeting, per Politico:
- Arizona Rep. Martha McSally
- Josh Mandel (who is interested in an Ohio Senate seat)
- Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada
Separately, the report says Democrats are pressing the following for not denouncing Moore quickly enough:
- Catherine Templeton, a South Carolina gubernatorial candidate
- Virginia's Corey Stewart (who's running for Senate against Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine)
- Indiana's Rep. Todd Rokita
- California's Rep. Darrell Issa
Who's trying to raise funds, Politico says:
- Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine
- Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke