WASHINGTON, DC: In a bold and strategic move, the conservative Club for Growth has announced its plan to unleash a formidable $20 million fund, aiming to provide robust support for House Republicans who stood in opposition to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during a historic and contentious 15 rounds of voting for the leadership position. The group, known for its staunch commitment to conservative principles, is rallying behind what they call the 'Patriot 20' - a coalition of lawmakers who boldly advanced conservative priorities and championed a more transparent and accountable legislative process during the Speaker negotiations in January.
The Club for Growth's $20 million commitment
As the dust settled from the intense showdown for the speakership, Club for Growth's President, David McIntosh, laid out the organization's strategy in a memo obtained by Politico. The document revealed that the Club is prepared to allocate a substantial $20 million to bolster the defenses of these McCarthy antagonists, both in their primary battles and general elections in the coming year. McIntosh said in the memo: "Club for Growth Action is prepared to spend $20 million in defense of the Patriot 20, the group of members who fought to advance conservative priorities and establish a more transparent and accountable legislative process in the House during the Speaker negotiations in January."
Prominent members of the Patriot 20 include familiar names such as Representative Lauren Boebert, whose 2022 race against Democrat Adam Frisch came dangerously close, and Representative Matt Gaetz, a vocal and controversial supporter of conservative causes. The ranks also feature other influential figures like Representative Paul Gosar, Representative Andy Biggs, and the current chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Representative Scott Perry.
Safeguarding vulnerable freshmen
Additionally, the Club for Growth intends to focus on safeguarding five freshman members of the group who are deemed especially vulnerable in their districts: Representatives Eli Crane, Anna Paulina Luna, Josh Brecheen, Andy Ogles, and Keith Self. McIntosh warned: "Moderate donor networks are already working to enact retribution against these conservative members who they perceive to be vulnerable to a primary challenge... Making our financial commitment public may serve as an effective deterrent to some potential challengers."
While most of the Patriot 20 have yet to face serious primary challenges, the Club for Growth remains vigilant and ready to engage in independent expenditures to defend these representatives from any attempt to undermine their conservative principles and legislative influence. McIntosh emphasized: "We will not compromise in our defense of these members."
Who are 'The Patriot 20'?
The Patriot 20 is a group of House Republicans backed by the conservative Club for Growth, dedicated to advancing conservative priorities and promoting transparency and accountability within the legislative process. Their journey began amid a highly charged speakership fight, during which McCarthy had to make concessions to secure his victory. Following the historic and contentious 15 rounds of voting for the House Speaker position, Club for Growth revealed its intention to support and defend these members in both primaries and general elections with a budget of $20 million.
A notable absence from the Patriot 20 lineup is Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent lawmaker from Georgia. She faced the consequences of her actions when the House Freedom Caucus ousted her after using derogatory language on the House floor, referring to Representative Boebert. Notably, despite her outspoken nature, Greene aligned herself with McCarthy during the heated speakership fight. She even sought the support of former President Donald Trump, engaging him in phone conversations to persuade fellow Republican lawmakers who were hesitant to vote in favor of McCarthy. The speakership contest endured a protracted and arduous process, involving a staggering 15 rounds of voting.
Here's the full list of lawmakers who constitute 'The Patriot 20':
Rep Andy Biggs from Arizona
Rep Dan Bishop from North Carolina
Rep Lauren Boebert from Colorado
Rep Josh Brecheen from Oklahoma
Rep Michael Cloud from Texas
Rep Andrew Clyde from Georgia
Rep Eli Crane from Arizona
Rep Matt Gaetz from Florida
Rep Bob Good from Virginia
Rep Paul Gosar from Arizona
Rep Andy Harris from Maryland
Rep Anna Paulina Luna from Florida
Rep Mary Miller from Illinois
Rep Ralph Norman from South Carolina
Rep Andy Ogles from Tennessee
Rep Scott Perry from Pennsylvania
Rep Matt Rosendale from Montana
Rep Chip Roy from Texas
Rep Keith Self from Texas
Rep Byron Donalds from Florida
