Scoop: GOP unveils $5 million in attack ads against Sen. Jon Ossoff
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An outside group linked to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is launching a $5 million ad blitz against Sen. Jon Ossoff, the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent in the country.
Why it matters: The ad campaign shows that Republicans are ready to spend big cash against Ossoff (D-Ga.), their top target in the midterm election.
Zoom out: The commercials are being run by One Nation, a nonprofit group that is allied with the Senate Leadership Fund, the main Senate GOP super PAC.
- The ad begins running Thursday on broadcast and cable stations, and digitally, across the state.
- It attacks Ossoff for his opposition to the President Trump-backed "big, beautiful bill," focusing specifically on tax cuts that are included in the legislation.
- "Why did he do it, who knows? Ask him," one man says in the spot.
Zoom in: The outside group ran a 7-figure ad campaign against Ossoff this spring.
- But Ossoff will have plenty of resources of his own. He raked in a mammoth $10 million during the second quarter and has $15 million in cash on hand.
- "National Republicans are scrambling to defend their bill after facing intense backlash in Georgia for gutting Medicaid and defunding hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes," Ossoff campaign spokesperson Ellie Dougherty told Axios in a statement.
- "Georgians work hard to provide for their families, and they deserve a Senator who works just as hard for them," One Nation Executive Director Alex Latcham said in a statement.
Republicans are headed for a competitive primary, after GOP Gov. Brian Kemp passed on a bid.
- Rep. Buddy Carter has entered the contest, and Rep. Mike Collins is expected to enter the race soon.
- Kemp is seen as favorable to Derek Dooley, a retired college football coach who is weighing a bid.
- Trump has yet to decide which candidate to endorse.
