Tag: NextGen America

Billionaire liberal activist Tom Steyer’s “Need to Impeach” campaign sent out guides to more than 5,100 Democratic candidates across the country just two weeks before the first of a dozen Democratic primary debates his group, NextGen America, is bankrolling. “Tom’s impeachment campaign is run out of Need to Impeach, which is a separate entity,” NextGen America spokeswoman Aleigha Cavalier told Fox News. “The topics of the debate will be on issues that matter to young people — which can definitely include impeachment — but that’s not the focus.” Special Counsel Robert Mueller hasn’t presented findings yet on a long-running investigation into possible Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Nonetheless, the nine-page Steyer guide contends impeachment is good politics and says “making this case can boost turnout among the Democratic base.” “Nothing is preventing Democrats from promoting an agenda focused on building a fairer economy, improving the health care system and creating a more equal and just society — while also underscoring the need to impeach this president,” says the guide, which refers to Trump as “one of the gravest dangers our country has ever confronted.” The first of Steyer's “Keeping Up With the Candidates” debates will revolve around Pennsylvania's newly drawn 7th Congressional District; Democratic candidates are set to face off Thursday in Fegley’s Brew Works in Allentown to benefit the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. (Each NextGen-bankrolled debate will be in a venue that attracts younger voters and will raise money for local progressive causes, according to the organization.) Pastor Greg Edwards, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli and Allentown Solicitor Susan Wild are among the candidates vying for the Democratic nomination. “Panicked Democrats know the vast majority of Americans disagree with Steyer, but it’s not stopping the billionaire from demanding that 5,171 candidates pledge their loyalty to his baseless effort,” Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Ahrens said in a statement. “Democrats also face the looming specter of Steyer-sponsored debates that will undoubtedly press candidates on impeachment.” Steyer’s group also plans to sponsor debates in Pennsylvania’s redrawn 5th Congressional District, where the GOP’s Rep. Pat Meehan is retiring; in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, where Rep. Barbara Comstock is considered vulnerable and where part of Washington's suburbs are represented; and in California’s 39th District, where Republican Rep. Ed Royce is retiring. “As millions of young people enter the political debate, they deserve a chance to be represented by elected officials who will address their concerns, discuss their ideas, and take action on the issues that affect their lives,” Steyer said in a statement. But the Republicans could do the same thing for their base if this is a referendum on impeachment.” - Kyle Kopko, political science professor Kopko added that said there is a calculated risk for Democrats with invoking the specter of impeachment in 2018.