Attorney General Jon Bruning is inching close to capturing 50 percent of the vote in the Nebraska Senate primary, according to a new poll released early to POLITICO Tuesday. 

The survey, paid for by Bruning-endorser Citizens United Political Victory Fund, shows the front-running candidate with a nearly 30-point lead over his nearest challenger, state treasurer Don Stenberg. 

The Wenzel Strategies poll pegs the race at Bruning 48 percent, Stenberg 19 percent and State Sen. Deb Fischer at 10 percent. 

Read more at Politico here.

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, released a poll conducted by Wenzel Strategies showing Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning winning 47.5% of the Republican Primary vote for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate contest.  The automated poll was conducted from February 17-19, and included 817 respondents and has a 3.40% margin of error. Click here for polling memo.  
 
“Attorney General Jon Bruning's broad coalition of supporters is propelling him to nearly 50 percent of the Republican Primary vote in Nebraska’s U.S. Senate race,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United. “These results show that Attorney General Bruning is the clear conservative choice in the U.S. Senate Republican Primary.  I look forward to working with Attorney General Bruning next year when he becomes the next U.S. Senator from Nebraska.” 
 
Poll Results by Wenzel Strategies: 
 
Ballot Test

Bruning – 47.5%

Stenberg – 18.5%

Fischer – 10.2%

Flynn – 2.8%

Zimmerman – 1.5%

Not Sure – 19.6%

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, released a poll conducted by Wenzel Strategies showing conservative Republican Jesse Kelly ahead by a nearly 25% margin to his closest challenger.  The automated poll was conducted from February 15-16 and included 700 respondents and has a 3.68% margin of error.  Click here for full polling memo. 

“Arizona needs Jesse Kelly, a combat veteran and a proven leader, to be the nominee,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United. “The results released today prove his message of lower taxes, a strong economy, and more jobs are resonating with Republican primary voters in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.”  

Poll Results by Wenzel Strategies:  

If the election for the Republican nomination for Congress in our local area was today, and the candidates were Frank Antenori, Jesse Kelly, John Lervold, Martha McSally, and Dave Sitton, for whom would you vote? 

Ballot Test


Jesse Kelly – 42.7%

Frank Antenori – 18.0%

Dave Sitton – 10.1%

Martha McSally – 8.0%

John Lervold – 1.1%

Not Sure – 20%

Republicans favor Jesse Kelly as their candidate for former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Arizona House seat, according to a poll released first to POLITICO. 

A Wenzel Strategies survey, paid for by Citizens United Political Victory Fund, shows Kelly is ahead of his nearest GOP primary challenger by close to 25 percentage points in the special election.

The poll, taken Wednesday and Thursday of this week, puts Kelly at 43 percent to State Sen. Frank Antenori's 18 percent and sports commentator Dave Sitton's 10 percent.  Twenty percent aren't sure.

Read more at Politico here. 

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement announcing the contribution of $5,000 to Andy Barr’s general election campaign in his race for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House.  This is the second time CUPVF has given to Andy Barr’s campaign.  Last summer CUPVF gave $5,000 to Barr’s primary election efforts.  
  

“After looking at the new map drawn for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District I have no doubt Andy Barr will still defeat Ben Chandler later this year,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  “Andy Barr is a true conservative who will stand up for the 2nd Amendment and repair the damage done by the Obama-Pelosi-Chandler economy.   
  

“The liberal policies of Obama-Pelosi-Chandler have not created an environment that creates jobs in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District.  I look forward to working with Andy Barr when he comes to Congress next year.  He will never waver in fighting for the values the people of Kentucky hold so dear.” 
  
 

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement endorsing combat veteran Jesse Kelly for the special election in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.  CUPVF has also contributed $10,000 total – $5,000 respectively for Kelly’s primary and general elections. 

“Citizens United Political Victory Fund was an early supporter for Jesse Kelly in 2010, and it is an honor to be one of his first supporters in this race.” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  “Jesse Kelly has shown that he can run a very strong campaign in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.  Jesse is a Marine Corps veteran and true hero of the conservative movement.  I urge all Republican primary voters in Arizona’s 8th District to rally around Jesse Kelly because he will work hard for lower taxes, a strong economy, and more jobs when he is in Congress.” 

More evidence of the divide on the right in the Nebraska Senate race: Citizens United is going with Jon Bruning. 

The group's political action committee tells POLITICO it will formally endorse the Attorney General Thursday, writing him a $10,000 check for the primary and general elections. 

In a forthcoming statement, Citizens United president David Bossie says Bruning represents "new blood in the conservative movement." 

 Read more at Politico here. 

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement endorsing Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning for United States Senate.  CUPVF has also contributed $10,000 total – $5,000 respectively for Bruning’s primary and general elections. 

“At Citizens United Political Victory Fund we always look for new blood in the conservative movement and Attorney General Jon Bruning fits that mold.” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  “As Nebraska’s Attorney General, Jon Bruning is helping to lead the fight against Obamacare, and he will bring that fight to the United States Senate next year.  Jon Bruning is a constitutional conservative and I look forward to working with him to further the conservative movement in the years to come.  Nebraska will be well represented by Jon Bruning in Washington, DC.” 

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement endorsing Martha Zoller for Georgia’s 9th Congressional District. CUPVF has also contributed $5,000 for Zoller’s primary election.

“I have known Martha Zoller for nearly ten years and she has been a shining example for the conservative movement,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  “Congress needs more people like Martha Zoller who have rock solid conservative credentials.  Martha will bring a fresh perspective to Congress because she is not a career politician, and will help lead the fight to end Obamacare.”  

Citizens United, the Republican political group and namesake of the famous Supreme Court campaign-finance ruling, is backing U.S. Rep. Tom Latham in his reelection fight against Rep. Leonard Boswell. 

Latham, a Republican, currently represents Iowa’s fourth district, but will challenge the Democrat Boswell this year in the newly drawn third district. 

Read more at the Des Moines Register here. 

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement endorsing Congressman Tom Latham for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. CUPVF has also contributed $10,000 total – $5,000 respectively for Latham’s primary and general elections. 

“Congressman Latham has been a steadfast conservative in the U.S. House, and he will continue to promote pro-growth and fiscally responsible economic policies that will create jobs in Iowa,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  “Our American ideals are being threatened by liberal policies that have plunged our nation $15 trillion in debt.  Congressman Latham is right in saying Obamacare is a mistake because Democrats took their eye off the economy and Americans suffered because of that choice.  Iowans will have a clear choice this November between Leonard Boswell’s failed big government record and Tom Latham’s innovative economic solutions.”  

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement endorsing Ann Wagner for Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District. CUPVF has also contributed $10,000 total – $5,000 respectively for Wagner’s primary and general elections. 

“Ann Wagner will be a great leader in the U.S. House because she understands the private sector and knows the pro-growth policies it will take to get us out of the Obama Recession,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  “Ann will be a conservative leader in Congress on Day One, and I look forward to working with her in getting our fiscal house in order and cleaning up the mess left behind by President Obama.” 

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement endorsing Justin Bernier in Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District. 

“Congress needs more military veterans to help fix a broken Congress and Justin Bernier fits that bill,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  “Justin Bernier will come to Washington to cut wasteful spending and help get the American people working again by easing Obama’s job-killing regulations. CUPVF enthusiastically endorses Justin Bernier because he will bring positive change and fresh ideas to Washington.” 
 

A Washington-based conservative group is choosing sides in a developing member-versus-member House primary in Louisiana. 

The Citizens United Political Victory Fund sent $5,000 to freshman Republican Jeff Landry on Tuesday to boost his potential bid against four-term Rep. Charles Boustany. 

“It is imperative that Congressman Jeff Landry remain in Congress to fight for the conservative cause,” said Citizens United President David Bossie. “CUPVF urges Congressman Landry to take this primary challenge head-on and campaign on his reform-minded conservative credentials.” 

Read more at Politico here.  

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement endorsing Congressman Jeff Landry in Louisiana’s new 3rd Congressional District. CUPVF has also contributed $5,000 for both Landry’s primary and general elections. 

“It is imperative that Congressman Jeff Landry remain in Congress to fight for the conservative cause,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  “CUPVF urges Congressman Landry to take this primary challenge head on and campaign on his reform-minded conservative credentials.  

“Congress needs Jeff Landry and more people like him if we are serious about finally getting America’s horrible spending problem under control.  Congressman Landry has taken bold stances by voting against the failed Super Committee, and for signing a letter with 71 of his fellow conservative colleagues that said no to any tax increases.  At a time of great economic crisis, Congressman Landry has shown he will put principle above party politics.” 

Out of all the competitive Senate races this cycle, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) is emerging as a leading target of conservatives.

While candidates in other races could still emerge, conservative grassroots groups have failed to find top-tier recruits against centrist Republicans in some other Senate races, leaving them to focus their ire on the former governor and Health and Human Services secretary.

Tea Party groups had once talked about targeting Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and had hoped a strong, down-the-line conservative would emerge against centrist former Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.). None of those things has happened.

Read more at The Hill here. 

A robo-call featuring Mike Huckabee is targeting 35,000 Iowans urging them to vote for Cedar Rapids Republican Cindy Golding in tomorrow’s special election, according to a special interest group. 

Citizens United’s political action committee paid for the effort for the Marion/Cedar Rapids area Iowa Senate seat, according to a news release from the group this morning. Citizens United, best known for its role in the U.S.  Supreme Court political finance case, is based in Washington, D.C. 

If Golding wins Tuesday’s special election against Cedar Rapids Democrat Liz Mathis, the Iowa Senate will be tied 25-25. Democrats currently control the chamber 26-24, but Democrat Swati Dandekar stepped down to take a political appointment from Republican Gov. Terry Branstad. 

Read more at The Des Moines Register here.  

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement supporting Ted Cruz for the United States Senate race in Texas. CUPVF has contributed $5,000 to Cruz's primary election campaign and $5,000 to his runoff campaign account.

				
"Ted Cruz will be a conservative force in the United States Senate," said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  "Ted is a rising star in the conservative movement, and he will be a key player in repealing the disastrous liberal policies brought forth by President Barack Obama.  I have full confidence that Ted Cruz is the true conservative in the race and will represent the great state of Texas with honor in the United States Senate.  Texas deserves another conservative Senator."

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement backing Congressman Denny Rehberg for the United States Senate race in Montana. CUPVF has contributed $5,000 to Rehberg's primary election campaign and $5,000 to his general.   

				
"Jon Tester was elected in 2006 because he ran against Washington and said he would be his own man," said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United.  "But Washington has gotten the best of Jon Tester, and he supported President Obama's liberal policies that have facilitated the disastrous Obama recession.  Congressman Denny Rehberg outperformed Jon Tester when they were on the same ballot in 2006, and he will outperform him again in 2012 in a head to head match-up.  Congressman Rehberg will vote for conservative values in the United States Senate and will work to reverse President Obama's failed liberal agenda in partnership with a new President in 2013."

Citizens United Political Victory Fund (CUPVF), the affiliated PAC of Citizens United, issued the following statement backing Carl Wimmer in his race for the U.S. House in Utah's 4th Congressional District. CUPVF has contributed $5,000 to the Wimmer campaign towards its primary effort.
				
"Carl Wimmer has been a true conservative in the Utah State House and he will bring those same principles to Washington," said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United. "America has been led down a path of fiscal anarchy thanks to the policies of the Obama Administration and liberals in Congress.  Carl Wimmer will fight for real deficit reduction, and not be afraid of taking on the Washington machine.  He is the kind of proven leader that Washington needs in these desperate times."