CA-52: House Majority PAC Congratulates Scott Peters
November 8, 2014
Washington, D.C. – House Majority PAC congratulates Representative Scott Peters on his reelection in California’s Fifty-second Congressional District.
“After relentless attacks Scott Peters secured a victory for Californians who believe in reasonable, responsible government – not extreme partisanship,” said Ali Lapp, Executive Director of House Majority PAC. “House Majority PAC was proud to play a part in making sure this effective representative will be able to continue his great work in Washington.”
Congressman Peters was first elected in 2012, defeating Republican Brian Bilbray in this swing San Diego-based district in one of the most competitive and expensive elections in 2012. House Majority PAC spent nearly $1 million on this race last cycle and outside Republican groups spent over $2 million.
This cycle, Republican spending started early, with the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity going up on air in 2013 and early 2014 hammering Peters on his support for the Affordable Care Act. Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS, Boehner’s Congressional Leadership Fund, Americans for Prosperity, American Unity PAC, and the National Republican Congressional Committee spent almost $5 million on TV against Peters and in support of DeMaio. The 2014 spending total is more than double what was spent by Republicans last cycle.
Early polling showed this race to be incredibly close and that voters were very familiar with both candidates. Despite the enormous sums of money poured into the district, polling showed neither candidate pulling away, and that the race remained a toss-up approaching Election Day.
Knowing this would be a difficult election, House Majority PAC started polling in early 2014. The challenge for House Majority PAC was to make an impact on a race where both candidates were already well defined to voters. Based on our polling, we determined that it was critical for us to reach Democratic base and help them understand that DeMaio’s extreme agenda was bad for seniors, women, and middle-class families. Our effort was bolstered when DeMaio even said that, if elected, he would owe the Tea Party everything. Adding to an already complicated dynamic, in the final months of the campaign, DeMaio was accused by two former staff members of lewd behavior, sexual harassment, and bribery.
Beginning in the late summer, House Majority PAC coordinated efforts among five Democratic allies to ensure money was spent efficiently and effectively. All told, allied groups spent $1.5 on television in support of Peters. House Majority PAC filmed two TV ads in San Diego and was on the air from October 21st through Election Day, costing a total of $680k. We also produced a robust mail and digital program.
HMP spent the following in this district: $882,478
HMP aired the following ads in this district:
“Representing”: http://www.
“Trust”: http://www.