Hundreds of thousands in outside dollars already pouring in on Rep. Coffman’s race
July 30, 2013
WASHINGTON — Friends and foes of Rep. Mike Coffman are already pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into helping and hurting the third-term Aurora Republican on one of the most pivotal issues Congress faces this year: immigration reform.
Americans for a Conservative Direction, a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, has ads up lauding Coffman for his immigration reform plan that is “compassionate” and “strengthens the economy.” The group spent at least $175,000 on three of Denver’s major networks, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
The House Majority PAC, a left-leaning outside group, ran ads in Spanish media earlier this month hitting Coffman for his June vote defunding the Obama administration’s executive order that allows so-called “dreamers” — kids who were brought here by their illegal immigrant parents — to receive temporary work permits to stay in the United States.
The House Majority PAC said it spent $175,000 in three states on the ads, which also hit vulnerable Republicans in Nevada and California.
Coffman, a Republican from Aurora, faces one of the toughest battles in the country to keep his seat next year. His new 6th Congressional District, redrawn in 2010, is 20 percent Latino and has a lot more registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters than his old district.
Former Democratic state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff is running against Coffman. Romanoff reported raising roughly $500,000 last quarter and Coffman raised $566,000, though Romanoff has more cash on hand.
Coffman has recently changed his stance to support comprehensive immigration reform. He told The Denver Post it was because he is listening to his new constituents.