Club for Growth explained
The Club for Growth is a 501(c)(4)[1] fiscally conservative[2] organization active in the United States, with an agenda focused on tax cuts and other economic policy issues.[3]
Club for Growth's largest funders are billionaires Jeff Yass and Richard Uihlein. The club has two political arms: Club for Growth PAC, a traditional political action committee, and Club for Growth Action, an independent-expenditure only committee or super-PAC.[4]
According to its website, the Club for Growth's policy goals include cutting income tax rates, repealing the estate tax, supporting limited government and a balanced budget amendment, entitlement reform (including Social Security reform, Medicare and Medicaid reform), tort reform, school choice, and deregulation.[5]
In 2003 through 2004, the Club for Growth was the largest single funder for Republican House and Senate candidates, outside of the Republican Party itself.[6]
The group has opposed government action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and called on President Trump to exit the Paris Climate Agreement.[7]
The Club for Growth PAC endorses and raises money for candidates who meet its standards for fiscal conservatism. According to Politico, "The Club for Growth is the pre-eminent institution promoting Republican adherence to a free-market, free-trade, anti-regulation agenda."[8]
The Guardian described the group as "one of the biggest backers" of Republicans who voted to overturn the results of the 2020 United States presidential election, having spent around $20 million on their campaigns in 2018 and 2020.[9]
History
The Club for Growth was founded in 1999 by Stephen Moore, Thomas L. Rhodes, and Richard Gilder.[10] Moore served as the first president of the Club from 1999 until December 2004, when board members voted to remove Moore as president. In 2003 through 2004, the Club for Growth was the largest single fundraiser for Republican House and Senate candidates, outside of the Republican Party itself, raising nearly $22 million.[6]
Future Pennsylvania United States Senator Pat Toomey served as president from 2005 until his resignation in April 2009. Former Indiana Congressman Chris Chocola succeeded Toomey. Chocola served as president through December 2014. He remains a member of the Club's board. Former Indiana Congressman David McIntosh was named president in January 2015.[11]
On September 19, 2005, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) filed suit against the Club for Growth alleging violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act for failing to register as a political action committee in the 2000, 2002, and 2004 congressional elections.[12] In September 2007, the Citizens Club for Growth (the Club for Growth changed its name) and the FEC agreed to settle the lawsuit.[13] According to their joint filing, Citizens Club for Growth said "that it operated under the good faith belief that it had not triggered political committee status ... [and] [f]or the purposes of this settlement, and in order to avoid protracted litigation costs, without admitting or denying each specific basis for the [FEC's] conclusions," Citizens Club for Growth no longer contested the alleged violations and agreed to pay $350,000 in civil penalties.[14]
According to the Associated Press, the settlement was one of "a series of actions by the FEC to penalize independent political groups that spent money to influence elections but did not register as political committees. The groups, called 527 organizations for the section of the IRS code ..., played a significant role in the 2004 congressional and presidential elections by raising unlimited amounts of money from labor groups, corporations and wealthy individuals."[13] On June 25, 2012, U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Wilkins issued an order stating that the FEC "is FORMALLY REPRIMANDED as a sanction for violating explicitly clear orders" (emphasis in original text) regarding confidentiality in the 2007 settlement agreement."[15]
In 2010, the Club's political arms spent about $8.6 million directly on candidates and bundled another $6 million from Club members, directing those funds to candidates. In 2012, according to OpenSecrets, Club members donated at least $4 million, and the Club's political arms spent nearly $18 million on elections.[16]
In 2013, the Club for Growth super PAC's donors included Peter Thiel, an early backer of Facebook and a co-founder of PayPal, who gave $2 million; Virginia James ($1.2 million); John W. Childs ($1.1 million), chairman and founder of the Boston-based private equity firm J.W. Childs Associates; Robert D. Arnott ($750,000), the chairman and chief executive of California-based Research Affiliates; Robert Mercer, the co-chief executive of Renaissance Technologies and part-owner of Cambridge Analytica, gave $600,000; and hedge fund manager Paul Singer gave $100,000.[17]
The Club for Growth's super PAC, which historically has been most active in Republican primary elections, spent more in general elections in the 2018 cycle than it ever had before. This trend was expected to continue into 2020.[18] Club for Growth president David McIntosh described the Club's evolution, saying "We want to be the political arm of the conservative movement—inside the Republican Party."[19]
In June 2020, The Hill wrote that the Club was "flexing its financial muscle this year, doling out millions of dollars to conservative congressional candidates and outspending most other outside groups as it looks to help the GOP keep control of the Senate and improve Republican chances in the House." The Club for Growth raised $55 million in 2020, "making 2020 its most lucrative cycle yet." The Club, which said it planned to spend at least $35 million in the 2020 election cycle, outspent most other groups not affiliated with presidential candidates.[20] According to a Guardian analysis, the organization was one of the biggest backers of the Republican lawmakers who tried to overturn the 2020 US election results. It spent $20m to support its campaigns in 2018 and 2020. One of the largest donors was Jeffrey Yass who in 2020 donated $20.7m to the Club.[21]
Mission
Founder Stephen Moore has said, "We want to be seen as the tax cut enforcer in the [Republican] party."[22] Unlike many other political action committees, the Club for Growth's PAC regularly participates in funding candidates for primary elections. The Club focuses more on open seats than on challenging sitting Republicans, but it has helped to unseat a number of incumbent Republicans. The Club for Growth has established a vetting process for potential candidates that involves one or more interviews, research on the race and the candidate's record, and a poll conducted to establish whether the candidate has a viable chance for victory.[23] Each election cycle, the Club's PAC endorses candidates and encourages donors to support the endorsed candidates. Promoting a more conservative agenda, the Club is known for targeting "establishment" Republican candidates.
Issue advocacy
2003
In 2003, the original Club for Growth strongly opposed the Medicare prescription drug benefit proposal.[24] The Club for Growth strongly supported the Bush tax cuts of 2003 and ran television ads against two Republicans who voiced opposition to the tax cuts. According to The New York Times, "Last spring, [Club for Growth president Steve] Moore attacked two Republican Senators who were resisting the latest tax cut: George Voinovich of Ohio and Olympia Snowe of Maine. He ran ads in each of their states in which he compared them with the French president, Jacques Chirac. Karl Rove, President Bush's political advisor, stated that the ads were "stupid" and "counterproductive".[25]
2005
In 2005, Pat Toomey became president and the Club for Growth created a congressional scorecard. The Club's first key vote alert was an amendment sponsored by a Democrat. Representative Earl Blumenauer offered an amendment to an agricultural appropriations bill that would have reduced the sugar program by 6 percent. The Club for Growth supported the amendment, which failed, 146–280.[26] [27]
The Club fought to support the Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement in 2005, running print advertisements in local Beltway publications in the Washington, DC area. According to Roll Call, "Former Rep. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), president of the Club for Growth, a CAFTA supporter, said his group continued running advertisements before the Congressional vote."[28]
The Club opposed the 2005 highway bill.[29] President Bush threatened to veto the bill but did sign it. The Christian Science Monitor quoted David Keating saying, "For fiscal conservatives, it's frustrating to watch ... He's beginning to lose all credibility with these veto threats."[30] According to The Washington Post, "The Club for Growth, a conservative group that funds like-minded candidates for Congress, has turned the highway legislation into a bumper sticker for the GOP's fiscal failings.[31]
Keating said to the Chicago Sun-Times, "It is a pork-laden bill."[32] The Christian Science Monitor reported Toomey saying,
"This is a defining moment. The Republican Party came to power in 1995 by advocating limited government. But in the last four to five years, there has been no evidence that the Republican officials in the federal government have any remaining commitment to this vital principle."[33]
During the debate on the highway bill, the Club supported an amendment by Tom Coburn that would defund the noted Gravina Island Bridge, from Ketchikan to the island in Southeast Alaska.
Following the Supreme Court's Kelo v. City of New London decision, the Club gained an appropriations amendment by Scott Garrett to prohibit funds in the bill from being used to enforce the Court's decision. The amendment passed, 231–189.[34] The Club for Growth PAC highlighted this vote when it targeted Joe Schwarz, a House Republican who it helped defeat in 2006, claiming he was too liberal.[35]
2006
In the spring of 2006, the Club opposed the 527 Reform Act, which curtailed spending by such political organizations. It led a coalition of center-right groups in sending letters to Congress to support its position.[36] The House passed the 527 Reform Act by a margin of 218–209, but the Senate did not consider the legislation.[37]
The Club for Growth supported various amendments to cut earmarks in the budget, such as "dairy education" and a "wine initiative."[38] The Club included assessment of sponsorship of the card check bill in its scorecard. If lawmakers co-sponsored the bill, they were docked points in the rating system.[39]
2007
The Club for Growth issued a new scorecard in 2007 that highlighted how House members voted on several amendments that defunded earmarks. Sixteen congressmen scored a perfect 100% on the so-called "RePORK Card", voting for all 50 anti-pork amendments. They were all Republicans. Conversely, 105 congressmen (81 Democrats and 24 Republicans) scored a 0%, voting against every single amendment. In 2007, the Club also scored against House bills that increased the minimum wage, implemented card check, and sought caps on CEO pay.[40] In the Senate, the Club scored against bills that increased the minimum wage, passage of the farm bill, and the SCHIP healthcare plan.[41]
In 2007, the Club for Growth opposed protectionist policies against China. Senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina had proposed a bill to apply large tariffs on Chinese imports if that country did not increase the value of its currency. In response, the Club sponsored a petition of 1,028 economists who stated their opposition to protectionist policies against China. The list of economists included Nobel Laureates Finn Kydland, Edward Prescott, Thomas Schelling, and Vernon Smith. The petition played off a similar petition that was also signed by 1,028 economists in 1930 that opposed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act.[42]
2008–09
In 2008 and 2009, the Club for Growth opposed the $787 billion stimulus bill, Cash for Clunkers, cap and trade legislation, the Wall Street bailout, the auto bailout, the Affordable Care Act and the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.[43]
After Barack Obama was elected president in November 2008, Club President Pat Toomey penned an op-ed that included the results of a poll commissioned by the Club: "A poll commissioned by the Club for Growth in 12 swing congressional districts over the past weekend shows that the voters who made the difference in this election still prefer less government—lower taxes, less spending and less regulation—to Obama's economic liberalism. Turns out, Americans didn't vote for Dems because they support their redistributionist agenda, but because they are fed up with the GOPers in office. This was a classic 'throw the bums out' election, rather than an embrace of the policy views of those who will replace them."[44]
In 2009, the Club produced another "RePORK Card". This time there were 22 House members with a 100% score: 1 Democrat and 21 Republicans. At the bottom, 211 House members received a 0% score: 202 Democrats and 9 Republicans.[45]
2010
The Club for Growth launched its Repeal It! campaign in 2010 in an attempt to help build public support for undoing the Affordable Care Act. In 2010, more than 400 federal lawmakers and candidates signed the Repeal It! pledge, including more than 40 of the incoming freshman class of congressmen and senators.[46]
The Club for Growth advocated the discharge petition, a proposal that would have forced a House vote on repealing the Affordable Care Act. At the time, Keith Olbermann said: "The petition, which would need 218 signatures to force House Speaker Pelosi to put the repeal bill up for a vote, went largely ignored. As Talking Points Memo reports, on Monday it had only 30 signatures. That is until the right wing group Club For Growth e-mailed its members, explaining Mr. [Steve] King's discharge petition will be considered as a key vote on the club's annual Congressional scorecard. That scorecard is considered one of the gold standards of conservative rankings. That and the Spanish Inquisition. So by Tuesday, the petition had 22 more signatures."[47]
2011–12
The Club was involved in the debate over the debt ceiling that took place in August 2011. The Club endorsed and strongly supported "Cut Cap and Balance" and ran issue ads urging Republicans to "show some spine" on maintaining the debt ceiling.[48]
The Club opposed the re-authorization of the Export-Import Bank.[49] The Club also took a strong position against Republicans voting for tax increases during the debate over the so-called "fiscal cliff". The Club opposed the "Plan B" tax increase proposed by John Boehner and also opposed the final deal.[50]
2013
In September 2013, Club for Growth made voting on the Continuing Appropriations Resolution a key vote, announcing it track how representatives voted on the bill and make that part of their congressional scorecard.[51] The group urged representatives to vote yes, particularly with defunding ObamaCare in mind.[51]
The Club for Growth opposed the Ryan-Murray Budget deal.[52] It also opposed the 2013 farm bill, which failed for the first time in the bill's 40-year history.[53] [54] [55]
2014
The Club's PAC spent $3.1 million ($2.4 million on independent expenditures and $700,000 on ads) or nearly half of the $7.8 million which it spent in 2014 on Chris McDaniel's effort to defeat Thad Cochran in the United States Senate Republican primary election in Mississippi, 2014.[11]
2015
From April through June 2015, the Club for Growth spent $1 million on television ads in nine congressional districts, urging the members of Congress in those districts to oppose re-authorization of the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank). Additional advertisements were announced in two districts in Utah, but were cancelled when the members declared their opposition to the Ex-Im Bank.[56] In addition, the Club for Growth announced a key vote against re-authorization of the Ex-Im Bank.[57]
The Club for Growth produced a series of policy papers on the positions taken by major Republican presidential candidates on the government's role in economic growth. The eleven papers examined the records and remarks of the candidates on issues such as tax reform, government spending, entitlement reform, and free trade.[58] The Club concluded that Senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and Marco Rubio were the most likely candidates to enact pro-growth policies if elected president.[59]
In October 2015, the Club for Growth announced a key vote against the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, saying that it would include a $1.5 trillion in the debt ceiling and a $112 billion increase in federal spending.[60]
Climate change
The Club for Growth has opposed government action to curb greenhouse gas emissions. In 2009, the Club for Growth pressured Republican politicians not to support a cap-and-trade bill, which the group viewed as being "extremely harmful to the economy."[61] In 2011, the group issued a white paper criticizing presidential candidate Mitt Romney's regulatory record as Massachusetts governor, including his support of global warming policies.[62] In 2017, the group called on President Trump to exit the Paris Agreement.[7]
Internal Revenue Service
The Club for Growth opposes efforts to fund the Internal Revenue Service. In 2021, the Club for Growth claimed that efforts to fund the IRS were intended to aggressively pursue conservatives and that it was one of the "vicious tactics of the radical socialist left".[63]
Congressional scorecard
Since 2005, the Club for Growth has produced an annual congressional scorecard. Each member of Congress receives a score on a scale of 0 to 100. The Club for Growth awards a Defender of Economic Freedom award to members of Congress who receive a 90% above on the annual scorecard and have a lifetime score of at least 90%.[64] The New York Times described the Club's release of its annual scorecard as "set upon by Republicans like the Oscar nominations list by Hollywood, with everyone dying to know who ranks where, especially in election years".[65]
The Club's 2015 congressional scorecard was based on 29 House votes and 25 Senate votes. Mike Lee was the only U.S. Senator to receive a perfect score. Ben Sasse was ranked second among U.S. Senators, followed by Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. On the U.S. House side, John Ratcliffe, Tim Huelskamp, and Scott DesJarlais received perfect scores.[66]
The Club for Growth Foundation's 2017 Congressional Scorecard was released in February 2018. Andy Biggs, a Republican from Arizona, was the only member of the U.S. House to receive a 100% rating. A total of 29 members of the U.S. House received a score of at least 90%. In the U.S. Senate, Jeff Flake, Pat Toomey, and James Lankford scored 100%, while four other senators scored at least 90%.[67]
The Club for Growth's 2018 Congressional Scorecard awarded twenty members of the U.S. House and five U.S. Senators scores of at least 90%. Four U.S. Senators (Jeff Flake, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, and Pat Toomey) and three U.S. Representatives (Justin Amash, Andy Biggs, and Paul Gosar) received perfect scores. Susan Collins received the lowest score among Republican senators while Brian Fitzpatrick and Christopher Smith were the lowest scoring Republican members of the U.S. House.[68]
Club for Growth PAC
2004
In 2004, the Club for Growth's PAC endorsed and supported U.S. Representative Pat Toomey, who challenged incumbent Senator Arlen Specter in the Republican primary in Pennsylvania. The PAC was reported to have collected contributions totaling over for Toomey. It also spent $1 million on its own independent television advertising campaign on Toomey's behalf.[69] Specter, who had the support of President Bush, the RNC, and Sen. Rick Santorum, defeated Toomey by a narrow margin of 51–49%. Afterward Toomey accepted the position as President of the Club for Growth, where he served until April 2009.
2006
The original Club's PAC supported the electoral bids of freshmen U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), Doug Lamborn[70] (R-CO), Bill Sali[71] (R-ID), and Tim Walberg[72] (R-MI), who all were elected. Congressional Quarterly wrote that Smith's views did not differ greatly from those of his primary election rivals, but the endorsement of the Club for Growth's PAC "gave him the imprimatur of the most fiscally conservative candidate, and it helped boost him to the top of the campaign fundraising competition."[73]
In the 2006 primaries, the Club's PAC recommended to its donors that they support incumbent Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX), the first time the Club's PAC recommended support for a Democrat. Cuellar won the primary race against former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez.[74] The Club's PAC endorsed four candidates for U.S. Senate, including Mike Bouchard in Michigan, Mike McGavick in Washington, Michael Steele in Maryland, and Stephen Laffey in Rhode Island, who did not win.[74]
Support by the Club's PAC was not a guarantee of success: its candidate Sharron Angle was defeated in the Republican primary in Nevada's 2nd congressional district, although it spent more than $1 million on her campaign.[75] The Club's PAC also supported primary campaigns of Phil Krinkie in Minnesota and Kevin Calvey in Oklahoma, who lost, as did incumbent congressman Chris Chocola in Indiana,[76] John Gard in Wisconsin, and Rick O'Donnell in Colorado.[77]
The Club's PAC supported the reelection of Steve Chabot in Ohio.
2007
The Club's PAC endorsed state senator Steve Buehrer in the special election for Ohio's 5th congressional district to replace the deceased Rep. Paul Gillmor.[98] Buehrer however was defeated by Bob Latta, the son of former Rep. Del Latta, in the Republican primary in November 2007 by a 44% to 40% margin.
The Club's PAC endorsed Paul Jost, the chairman of the Virginia chapter of the Club for Growth, in the contest to replace deceased Rep. Jo Ann Davis in Virginia's 1st congressional district.[99] In the nominating convention, Jost was defeated by state delegate Rob Wittman.
2008
In Maryland's 1st congressional district, the Club's PAC endorsed state senator Andrew P. Harris against nine term incumbent Wayne Gilchrest. In the February 12 primary, Harris surged to a strong 44% to 32% victory. Gilchrest became the second incumbent Republican to be defeated by a candidate supported by the Club. The first was Rep. Joe Schwarz in Michigan in 2006.[100] Harris was, however, unable to win the general election.
In Georgia's 10th congressional district, the Club's PAC endorsed incumbent Paul Broun who defeated state representative Barry Fleming 71% to 29% in the July 15, 2008, primary election. Broun's victory surprised many political observers.[101]
In Arizona's 5th congressional district, the Club's PAC endorsed former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert, who narrowly defeated former candidate Susan Bitter-Smith by a margin of 30% to 28%; there were three other candidates.[102] He did not win the general election.
During the 2008 Republican presidential primaries, the Club's PAC was critical of Mike Huckabee, attacking him as the "tax-increasing liberal governor of Arkansas".[103] Huckabee, in turn, referred to the Club for Growth as the "Club for Greed".[104]
2009
The Club's PAC endorsed in the special election in New York's 23rd congressional district the Conservative Party of New York candidate, Doug Hoffman instead of Republican candidate Dede Scozzafava. With the Club pouring money into Hoffman's campaign, Scozzafava realized that she could not win and withdrew from the race the Sunday before the November 3 special election, endorsing the Democratic candidate Bill Owens.[109] Owens won the election in a district where portions had not had a Democratic congressman since the 19th century.[110]
2010
Of the 26 general election candidates endorsed by Club for Growth in 2010, 20 won election.[111] The following chart lists candidates endorsed by the Club:[112]
Candidate | Race | Primary | General | Outcome |
---|
David Schweikert | Arizona's 5th congressional district | 37% | 52% | Win |
Tom Coburn | United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2010 | 90%[113] | 71%[114] | Win |
Tom Graves | Georgia's 9th congressional district | 55% | Unopposed | Win |
Mike Lee | United States Senate election in Utah, 2010 | 51% | 62% | Win |
Ron Johnson | United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2010 | 85% | 52% | Win |
Sharron Angle | United States Senate election in Nevada, 2010 | 40% | 45% | Loss |
Rand Paul | United States Senate election in Kentucky, 2010 | 59% | 56% | Win |
Marco Rubio | United States Senate election in Florida, 2010 | 84% | 48% | Win |
Ken Buck | United States Senate election in Colorado, 2010 | 52% | 46% | Loss |
Joe Miller | United States Senate election in Alaska, 2010 | 51% | 35% | Loss |
Pat Toomey | United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, 2010 | 82% | 51% | Win |
Tim Huelskamp | Kansas's 1st congressional district | 34% | 74% | Win |
Mike Pompeo | Kansas's 4th congressional district | 39% | 59% | Win |
Jeff Duncan | South Carolina's 3rd congressional district | 51% | 62% | Win |
Tim Scott | South Carolina's 1st congressional district | 68% | 65% | Win |
Justin Amash | Michigan's 3rd congressional district | 40% | 60% | Win |
Mick Mulvaney | South Carolina's 5th congressional district | Unopposed | 55% | Win |
Todd Young | Indiana's 9th congressional district | 34% | 52% | Win |
Stephen Fincher | Tennessee's 8th congressional district | 48% | 59% | Win |
Tim Griffin | Arkansas's 2nd congressional district | 61% | 58% | Win |
David Harmer | California's 11th congressional district | 36% | 48% | Loss |
Jesse Kelly | Arizona's 8th congressional district | 48% | 47% | Loss |
Nan Hayworth | New York's 19th congressional district | 69% | 53% | Win |
Keith Rothfus | Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district | 66% | 49% | Loss |
Andrew P. Harris | Maryland's 1st congressional district | 67% | 55% | Win |
Jim DeMint | United States Senate election in South Carolina, 2010 | 83% | 62% | Win |
Doug Hoffman[115] | New York's 23rd congressional district | | 46% | Loss |
Kevin Calvey[116] | Oklahoma's 5th congressional district | 34% | - | Loss |
Robin Smith[117] | Tennessee's 3rd congressional district | 28% | - | Loss | |
2012
In 2012, the Club for Growth PAC endorsed eighteen congressional candidates, nine of whom won their elections:[118]
2014
2016
U.S. presidential election
With regard to the 2016 Republican presidential primary candidates, the Club for Growth was critical of Mike Huckabee, Chris Christie, John Kasich, Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Donald Trump.[156] [157] [158] [159] [160] In August 2015, Club for Growth President David McIntosh said that Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz are "the real deal candidates, the gold standard of the race," and that while questions remained, Jeb Bush and Scott Walker showed some pro-growth stances.[161]
In August 2015, the Club for Growth PAC announced it would formally support presidential candidates for the first time, saying the group would bundle donations for Cruz, Rubio, Walker, Bush, and Paul. Club for Growth President David McIntosh said "Five candidates are at the forefront of the Republican presidential field on issues of economic freedom, and the Club for Growth PAC is standing with them to help them stand out from the rest."[162] In October 2015, McIntosh said Cruz and Rubio were "the gold standard" of Republican presidential candidates.[163]
The Club for Growth's Super PAC, Club for Growth Action, was particularly critical of Trump's candidacy, announcing a $1 million Iowa advertising buy against his campaign in September 2015. The Club for Growth Action was the first third-party group to spend significant sums against Donald Trump.[164] The Club for Growth announced a $1.5 million advertising buy in Florida in March 2016. The group's advertisements highlighted Trump's support for liberal policies, such as a single-payer health insurance system and tax increases.[165] [166] [167] [168]
In March 2016, Politico reported that the Club for Growth PAC planned to deny congressional endorsements to any candidates who endorsed Donald Trump's presidential bid before the nomination was actually clinched. The Club's PAC noted that the warning did not apply to those who endorsed Trump after the May 3, 2016, Indiana primary.[169] [170] Also in March 2016, the Club for Growth PAC endorsed Ted Cruz for president. The Club for Growth PAC had never previously endorsed in a presidential race. According to Club for Growth head David McIntosh, "This year is different because there is a vast gulf between the two leading Republican candidates on matters of economic liberty. Their records make clear that Ted Cruz is a consistent conservative who will fight to shrink the federal footprint, while Donald Trump would seek to remake government in his desired image."[171]
U.S. congressional elections
In North Carolina's 2nd congressional district, Club for Growth Action opposed incumbent Renee Ellmers without endorsing a specific candidate. She was defeated in the primary.[172]
2017
The Club for Growth endorsed Bob Gray to represent Tom Price's district after he left to lead the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The group reportedly also bought $250,000 of airtime on Atlanta cable against early Republican front-runner Karen Handel.[192] [193] The special election took place on April 18, 2017, with Republican Karen Handel defeating Gray and winning a runoff election on June 20, 2017, against Democrat Jon Ossoff.
The organization endorsed Ralph Norman in the Republican primary to replace Mick Mulvaney in South Carolina's 5th congressional district. Norman won the primary and went on to defeat Archie Parnell in the general election.[194] The organization also endorsed Christopher Herrod's candidacy in the special election to replace Jason Chaffetz.[195]
2018
The Club for Growth PAC endorsed Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel in his bid to unseat incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown in the 2018 United States Senate election in Ohio. Mandel dropped out of the race in January 2018.[196]
2019
In the 2019 special election in North Carolina's 9th congressional district, the Club for Growth endorsed state senator Dan Bishop in the 10-candidate Republican primary field.[201] Bishop advanced from the primary and defeated Democrat Dan McCready in the general special election on September 10, 2019.[202]
In the 2019 special election in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district, the Club for Growth endorsed Fred Keller, who advanced to the general election.[203] Keller won the general special election held on May 21, 2019.[204]
In the 2019 special election in North Carolina's 3rd congressional district, the Club for Growth endorsed Celeste Cairns in the 17-person Republican primary field. Cairns did not advance to the runoff primary.[205]
2020
Club for Growth supported the re-election campaign of President Donald Trump, who lost to Joe Biden.[206]
2022
On April 9, Donald Trump welcomed David McIntosh onstage during a rally in North Carolina. Trump praised McIntosh, stating, "He’s a winner. He’s a fighter. We are undefeated when we work together." McIntosh responded, "You are a great man. … I am so proud to partner with you."[225]
On April 15, Donald Trump officially endorsed JD Vance for the 2022 United States Senate election in Ohio.[226] After this endorsement, Club for Growth continued their negative ad campaign against Vance, and doubled down on April 27 with an ad attacking Vance for negative statements he made about Trump in 2016.[227] According to The New York Times' Maggie Haberman, Trump reacted to this advertisement by having an assistant send a three word message to McIntosh, "Go f*** yourself."[228]
2024
David McIntosh, the organization's president, has endorsed Trump for president. The organization has not formally published an endorsement of Trump, but likely endorses him.This table is a work in progress.
Notes and References
- http://nccsweb.urban.org/communityplatform/nccs/organization/profile/id/204681603/popup/1 Organizational Profile
- Kacich, Tom (February 11, 2016). UPDATED: Coming to a TV near you: Congressional attack ads. The News-Gazette. Retrieved: February 18, 2016.
- News: Drew. Elizabeth. Are the Republicans Beyond Saving?. March 26, 2013. New York Review of Books. 2013-03-21.
- News: Marcus . Rachael . Nonprofit profile: Club for Growth Inc. . 4 May 2020 . Center for Public Integrity . May 19, 2014.
- Web site: What We Do. Club for Growth.
- News: . Stephen Moore .
- News: Club for Growth calling on Trump to exit Paris climate deal. Savransky. Rebecca. 2017-05-09. TheHill. 2018-11-27. en.
- News: Burns. Alexander. Inside the Club for Growth's art of war. April 7, 2014. Politico. 2014-04-07. Palmer, Anna. 1.
- Web site: Kirchgaessner . Stephanie . Billionaires backed Republicans who sought to reverse US election results . . en . 15 January 2021.
- Web site: Zuylen-Wood. Simon Van. Can the Club for Growth Survive Donald Trump?. 2020-07-17. POLITICO Magazine. en.
- Web site: John Sugden. Club for Growth Names New President After Lackluster Returns in '14 . OpenSecrets . December 19, 2014. December 16, 2014.
- Web site: Club for Growth Suit . February 8, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032359/http://www.fec.gov/press/press2005/20050919suit.html . March 4, 2016 . dead . mdy-all .
- https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-09-05-club-for-growth_N.htm AP, "Citizens Club for Growth to pay fine"
- News: United States District Court for the District of Columbia: Stipulation for Entry of Consent Judgment. April 1, 2013. September 5, 2007.
- News: United States District Court for the District of Columbia: Civl No. 05-1851. 2012-06-25.
- Web site: Organization Profiles: Club for Growth . OpenSecrets.
- Yang, Jia Lynn (October 11, 2013). "Here's who pays the bills for Ted Cruz's crusade". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 20, 2019
- News: Pathé . Simone . It's no longer all about Republican primaries for the Club for Growth . 3 April 2019 . Roll Call . March 7, 2019.
- News: Lewis . Matt . The Club for Growth, Once a Sometimes Thorn in GOP's Side, Joins the Party—and Team Trump . 3 April 2019 . Daily Beast . March 8, 2019.
- News: Axelrod . Tal . Club for Growth unleashes financial juggernaut for 2020 races . 8 July 2020 . The Hill . June 25, 2020.
- Web site: 2021-01-15. Billionaires backed Republicans who sought to reverse US election results. 2021-01-16. The Guardian. en.
- https://books.google.com/books?id=3sWuxbNG1RQC&dq=club+for+growth+tax-cut+enforcer&pg=PA14 Running on empty: how the Democratic and Republican Parties are bankrupting our future
- News: Heller. Marc. Club for Growth on fence. March 15, 2013. Watertown Daily Times. 2010-04-24. October 15, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131015080333/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20100424/NEWS02/304249951. dead.
- News: Medicare reform The biggest turkey of all?. February 13, 2013. The Economist. 2003-11-27.
- News: Bai. Matt. Fight Club. February 13, 2013. The New York Times. August 10, 2003.
- Web site: FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 234. House of Representatives. February 13, 2013.
- Web site: CLUB ANNOUNCES NEW CONGRESSIONAL SCORECARD. March 7, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20160705112028/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/press-release/club-announces-new-congressional-scorecard/. July 5, 2016. dead. mdy-all.
- News: Ackley. Kate. CAFTA Vote Is Emerging As a Major Litmus Test. February 13, 2013. Roll Call. 2005-07-25.
- Web site: FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 453. House of Representatives. February 13, 2013.
- News: Burke. Josh. Bush makes history – a five-year streak without saying 'no'. February 13, 2013. The Christian Science Monitor. 2005-08-16.
- News: Murray. Shailagh. Some in GOP Regretting Pork-Stuffed Highway Bill. February 13, 2013. The Washington Post. November 5, 2005.
- News: Sweet. Lynn. Museum gets a plum from Congress. https://web.archive.org/web/20050908162300/http://www.suntimes.com/output/sweet/cst-nws-sweet10.html. 2005-09-08. February 13, 2013. Chicago Sun-Times. August 10, 2005.
- News: Russell Chaddock. Gail. Budget debate now a fight for soul of GOP. February 13, 2013. The Christian Science Monitor. 2005-10-24.
- Web site: FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 350. House of Representatives. February 13, 2013.
- News: O'Connor. Patrick. Main Street gears up to defend its own . February 13, 2013. The Hill. 2006-03-21.
- News: Toomey. Patrick. 527 'Reform' Bill Goes Too Far. February 13, 2013. Human Events. April 5, 2006.
- Web site: FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 88. House of Representatives. February 13, 2013.
- Web site: The 2006 Congressional Scorecard – House . Club for Growth . February 13, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091124043046/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/projects/?subSec=13&id=647 . November 24, 2009 .
- Web site: Card Check is an Abomination. Club for Growth. February 13, 2013.
- Web site: The Club's 2007 Congressional Scorecard . Club for Growth . February 13, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130123054113/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/projects/scorecard/?year=2007&chamber=2 . January 23, 2013 .
- Web site: 2007 Senate Scorecard . Club for Growth . February 13, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130123054118/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/projects/scorecard/?year=2007&chamber=1 . January 23, 2013 .
- Web site: Who Wants to Return to President Hoover's Import Export Trade Policies? . Club for Growth . February 13, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130123054338/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/projects/?subSec=10 . January 23, 2013 .
- News: Reaction to Bush's decision on auto bailout. February 13, 2013. Associated Press. 2008-12-19.
- News: Toomey. Patrick. Swing Voters Don't Want Big Government. February 13, 2013. The Wall Street Journal. November 6, 2008.
- Web site: The 2009 Club for Growth RePORK Card: Full Report . Club for Growth . February 13, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121115022741/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/projects/?subSec=14&id=118 . November 15, 2012 .
- Web site: Year After Launching Pledge, Club for Growth Calls on House to Repeal It!. https://archive.today/20130414121605/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=14689. dead. April 14, 2013. Club for Growth. February 13, 2013.
- News: Countdown with Keith Olbermann' for Thursday, July 1, 2010. February 13, 2013. MSNBC. 2010-07-20.
- News: Club For Growth Ad Tells GOP to "Show Some Spine". February 13, 2013. Real Clear Politics. July 11, 2011.
- News: Wasson . Erik . Conservative groups to punish members voting for Cantor's Export-Import bill . February 13, 2013 . The Hill . May 7, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131030061834/http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/1005-trade/225775-conservative-groups-to-punish-members-voting-for-cantor-export-import-bill . October 30, 2013 .
- News: O'Keefe. Ed. Club for Growth comes out against 'Plan B'. February 13, 2013. The Washington Post. 2012-12-19. Helderman, Rosalind.
- Web site: Roth. Andrew. Key Vote Alert – "YES" on FY14 Continuing Resolution (H.J.Res 59). https://archive.today/20130923145336/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=16182. dead. September 23, 2013. Club for Growth. September 23, 2013.
- News: Sullivan. Sean. Conservatives slam Ryan-Murray budget deal. January 14, 2014. The Washington Post. December 11, 2013.
- News: Dumain. Emma. Farm Bill's Failure Poisons Well in House. January 14, 2014. Roll Call. June 6, 2013. Dennis, Steven.
- News: Dumain. Emma. Farm Bill Split Won't Appease Club for Growth. January 14, 2014. Roll Call. July 1, 2013.
- News: Abbott. Charles. U.S. House deals shock defeat to Republican farm bill. January 14, 2014. Reuters. 2013-06-20.
- News: Min Kim. Seung. Club for Growth adds 2 more targets. December 3, 2015. Politico. June 11, 2015.
- News: Needham. Vicki. Club for Growth key-votes Export-Import Bank vote. December 3, 2015. The Hill. October 23, 2015.
- Web site: 2016 Presidential White Paper Series. Club for Growth. December 3, 2015.
- News: Bordelon. Brandon. Cruz, Paul, and Rubio Get Qualified Thumbs-Up from Club for Growth. December 3, 2015. National Review. April 16, 2015.
- News: Roth. Andrew. Key Vote Alert – "NO" on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (HR 1314). December 3, 2015. Club for Growth. October 28, 2015.
- Web site: Across the Board, GOP Senate Candidates Shy Away From Cap and Trade - NYTimes.com. archive.nytimes.com. 2018-11-27.
- News: Romney draws early fire from conservatives over views on climate change. The Washington Post. en. 2018-11-27.
- News: Rappeport. Alan. 2021-07-23. For Republicans, Deep Wounds Fuel Resistance to Bolstering the I.R.S.. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-07-28. 0362-4331.
- News: Rep. Broun receives Defender of Economic Freedom award. January 14, 2014. Lincoln Journal. May 3, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20140116133451/http://www.lincolnjournalonline.com/news/2012-05-03/News/Rep_Broun_receives_Defender_of_Economic_Freedom_aw.html. January 16, 2014. dead.
- News: Steinhauer. Jennifer. A Conservative Leader Was Less So in Congress. January 14, 2014. The New York Times. March 1, 2012.
- News: Reid. Jon. Club for Growth Releases 2015 Congressional Scorecard. May 2, 2016. Morning Consult. April 29, 2015.
- News: Persons. Sally. Rep. Andy Biggs, lone House member, gets top score on Club for Growth's annual economic scorecard. 19 March 2018. The Washington Times. February 22, 2018.
- Web site: Congressional Scorecards . Club for Growth . 4 March 2019.
- News: Fitzgerald. Thomas. Club for Growth Spends $1m for Toomey. April 11, 2013. Philadelphia Inquirer. 2010-10-22.
- Web site: Roth. Andrew. Club for Growth PAC Endorses Doug Lamborn in CO-05. https://archive.today/20130414150152/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=4829. dead. April 14, 2013. Club for Growth. January 22, 2013.
- Web site: Roth. Andrew. Bill Sali and the Minimum Wage. https://archive.today/20130414193918/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=6203. dead. 2013-04-14. 1-1-2007. Club for Growth.
- News: Newlin Carney. Eliza. Tim Walberg Back in His 'Sweet Spot'. January 22, 2013. Roll Call. 2011-11-21.
- News: Levinson. Nathan. Anti-Tax Message Helps Push Smith to Primary Win. https://web.archive.org/web/20071016194555/http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/05/ne_3_antitax_message_helps_pus.html. 2007-10-16. January 21, 2013. Congressional Quarterly.
- News: O'Connor. Patrick. Conservative unrest fuels Club fundraising: Toomey. April 3, 2006. The Hill.
- News: Vogel. Ed. Angle catches Heller Legislative veteran closes former big gap. January 22, 2013. Las Vegas Review Journal. August 12, 2006.
- News: Lengell. Sean. Club for Growth targeting 'establishment' GOP candidates. May 3, 2012. The Washington Times.
- News: DeGette. Cara. Club for Growth Revives Lamborn Cash Quest. 2006-10-18. Colorado Independent.
- Web site: Rep. Adrian Smith (R) . https://archive.today/20130216121925/http://www.nationaljournal.com/almanac/2010/person/adrian-smith-ne/ . dead . February 16, 2013 . National Journal Almanac . National Journal . January 21, 2013 .
- Web site: Primary Elections (August 2006) . Colorado Cumulative Report: Official Results: Primary Election . https://web.archive.org/web/20060830183841/http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/electionresults/COLORADO-CUMULATIVE.htm . dead . 2006-08-30 .
- Web site: Idaho Secretary of State – Elections, Campaign Disclosure and Lobbyists. Ben Ysursa, Secretary of State. 2006-05-23. 2007-07-16. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20070817205409/http://www.idsos.state.id.us/elect/RESULTS/2006/primary/tot_stwd.htm. August 17, 2007. mdy-all.
- Web site: 2006 Official Michigan Primary Election Results – 7th District Representative in Congress 2 Year Term (1) Position . Michigan Department of State . September 11, 2006 . 2010-08-23 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100629022511/http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/06PRI/06007000.html . June 29, 2010 .
- Web site: Election Results – District 28 in Texas. The Political Guide. January 21, 2013.
- Web site: Terri Lynn . Land . Official Michigan General Election Results – United States Senator 6 Year Term (1) Position . May 10, 2007 . Michigan Department of State . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141118213941/http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/06GEN/05000000.html . November 18, 2014 .
- Web site: 2006 Primary Election Results. Washington Secretary of State. 2006-10-03. 2006-11-07. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20060923205848/http://vote.wa.gov/elections/PrimaryResults/Results.aspx?o=8f43af96-81c1-47c6-8b5f-3ad9dee0e6ad. September 23, 2006. mdy-all.
- Web site: 2006 General Election Results . Washington Secretary of State . 2006-11-17 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20061201103234/http://vote.wa.gov/Elections/general/Results.aspx?o=8f43af96-81c1-47c6-8b5f-3ad9dee0e6ad . December 1, 2006 .
- Web site: Official 2006 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for U.S. Senator. Maryland State Board of Elections. January 21, 2013.
- Web site: Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election results for U.S. Senator. Maryland State Board of Elections. 2006-12-19. 2010-01-13.
- Web site: secretaryofstate.biz - This website is for sale! - nevada secretary state corp corporate business database information election securities Resources and Information.. www.secretaryofstate.biz.
- Web site: Primary Election. 2011-01-23. 2006-07-26. ok.gov. Oklahoma State Election Board. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120225035812/http://www.ok.gov/elections/The_Archives/Election_Results/2006_Election_Results/Primary_Election_2006.html. February 25, 2012. mdy-all.
- News: U.S. House of Representatives/Indiana 02. America Votes 2006. CNN. January 21, 2013.
- News: U.S. House of Representatives/Wisconsin 08. America Votes 2006. CNN. January 21, 2013.
- Web site: OH – District 01 Race – Nov 07, 2006. Our Campaigns. 2012-05-25.
- Web site: Jon Kyl's Special Interest Group Ratings. Project Vote Smart. February 12, 2013.
- News: Club Standards. February 12, 2013. National Review. 2007-08-23.
- News: Cilizza. Chris. Club For Growth Chalks Up More Wins. February 12, 2013. The Washington Post. 2006-05-24.
- News: Weigel. David. Insurgent Republicans. February 12, 2013. Reason Magazine. December 2006.
- News: Club for Growth Endorses Four More Candidates. February 12, 2013. CNN. 2006-09-28.
- News: Stacy. Dave. OH-5: Club For Growth Drops $75k for Buehrer. April 11, 2013. Cleveland Plain-Dealer. October 5, 2007.
- Web site: Club for Growth PAC Endorses Paul Jost in VA-1 . https://archive.today/20130616093842/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/pr/?postID=419 . dead . June 16, 2013 . Club for Growth . April 12, 2013 .
- News: Catanese. David. How Bennett got Clubbed. January 23, 2013. Politico. May 10, 2010.
- Web site: House Incumbents Easily Hold That Line in Georgia Primaries . https://web.archive.org/web/20081121195405/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002917957. 2008-11-21. CQ Politics . 2008-07-16 . 2010-07-26.
- News: Arizona Delegates Watch From Afar as Front-Runners Win Close Primaries. https://web.archive.org/web/20081202124311/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002943498&cpage=2. 2008-12-02. January 23, 2013. CQ Politics.
- News: Huckabee foes open their wallets for attack ads. Los Angeles Times. January 1, 2008. https://archive.today/20080113180048/http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-money1jan01,1,10456.story?coll=la-politics-campaign. dead. January 13, 2008.
- Huckabee?. November 26, 2007. The New Yorker.
- Web site: Tom McClintock Wins 4th CD Race. Meredith Turney. FlashReport. November 21, 2008. 2010-07-26.
- Web site: GOP Concession in Maryland Race Boosts Dems' House Gain to 20. Congressional Quarterly. Michael Teitelbaum. November 11, 2008. 2010-07-26.
- Web site: Joe Schwarz Endorses Mark Schauer . Walberg Watch . September 30, 2008 . 2010-07-26 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131024083233/http://walbergwatch.blogspot.com/2008/09/joe-schwarz-endorses-mark-schauer.html . October 24, 2013 .
- News: Schwarz endorses Democrat in Michigan congressional race. Associated Press. Mlive.com. 2008-09-30. 2010-07-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20090422134500/http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2008/09/schwarz_endorses_democrat_in_m.html. April 22, 2009. dead. mdy-all.
- News: Political eyes on Republican Scozzafava after conservatives urge her to quit. The Washington Post. November 10, 2009. April 30, 2010.
- News: Conservative Loses Upstate House Race in Blow to Right. The New York Times. Jeremy W.. Peters. November 4, 2009. April 30, 2010.
- Web site: CFG PAC Endorsed Candidates . Club for Growth . January 22, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121115081102/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/election2010/ . November 15, 2012 .
- Web site: Connolly . Michael . Club for Growth PAC Endorses David Schweikert in AZ-05 . Club for Growth . January 22, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121115113122/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/news/?v=bbt&start=81&topic=35 . November 15, 2012 .
- Web site: Oklahoma Primary Results. Politico. July 27, 2010. July 27, 2010.
- Web site: SUMMARY RESULTS: General Election -- November 2, 2010. January 22, 2013. August 13, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120813044737/http://www.ok.gov/elections/support/10gen.html. dead.
- News: NY-23: Club Endorses Hoffman (C). February 13, 2013. RealClearPolitics. 2009-09-28.
- News: Casteel. Chris. D.C. Club for Growth airs ad for Oklahoma's Kevin Calvey in congressional race. February 13, 2013. The Oklahoman. 2010-08-19.
- News: Humphrey. Tom. Club for Growth Endorses Robin Smith in 3rd District. https://web.archive.org/web/20110430013734/http://blogs.knoxnews.com/humphrey/2010/02/club-for-growth-endorses-robin.html. dead. April 30, 2011. February 13, 2013. News Sentinel. February 10, 2010.
- News: Carter. Zach. Club For Growth In 2012 Bests Conservative Groups In Candidate Picks, Richard Mourdock Aside. January 22, 2013. Huffington Post. November 12, 2012.
- News: Sobel . Julie . Club for Growth Spending To Save Mourdock, Flake . January 22, 2013 . National Journal . October 2, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150707053639/http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2012/10/club-for-growth-spending-to-save-mourdock-flake-02 . July 7, 2015 .
- News: Koff. Stephen. Josh Mandel gets another national endorsement for U.S. Senate. January 22, 2013. Plain Dealer. 2011-06-28.
- News: Powers. Scott. Club For Growth endorses Connie Mack in senate race. January 22, 2013. Orlando Sentinel. 2012-08-22. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120827183206/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2012/08/club-for-growth-endorses-connie-mack-in-senate-race.html. August 27, 2012. mdy-all.
- News: Hughes. Siobhan. Club for Growth Scores Another Win. January 22, 2013. The Wall Street Journal. August 1, 2012.
- Web site: Club for Growth PAC Congratulates Thomas Massie . https://archive.today/20130414125031/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/news/?id=1174&v=pr . dead . April 14, 2013 . Club for Growth . January 22, 2013 .
- Web site: Club for Growth PAC Congratulates Steve King . https://archive.today/20130414134933/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/news/?id=1171&v=pr . dead . April 14, 2013 . Club for Growth . January 22, 2013 .
- News: Derby . Kevin . Club for Growth: 'Ron DeSantis is principled conservative America desperately needs' . January 22, 2013 . Sunshine State News . 2012-06-26 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120702203057/http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/blog/club-growth-backs-ron-desantis-congress . July 2, 2012 .
- Web site: Club for Growth PAC Endorses Kevin Cramer In ND-AL . https://archive.today/20130414115242/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/pr/?postID=1086 . dead . April 14, 2013 . Club for Growth . January 22, 2013 .
- News: Joseph. Cameron. Club for Growth favorite leads in Arkansas. January 22, 2013. The Hill. 2012-05-22.
- News: Trygstad. Carl. Club for Growth Endorses Wimmer in New Utah District. January 22, 2013. Roll Call. December 1, 2011.
- News: Sullivan . Sean . Club for Growth Endorses Stenberg . https://archive.today/20130216123239/http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2012/03/club-for-growth-endorses-stenberg-06 . dead . February 16, 2013 . January 22, 2013 . National Journal .
- News: Livingston. Abby. Club for Growth Backs Matt Salmon for Congress. January 22, 2013. Roll Call. December 1, 2011.
- News: Ordonez . Franco . Scott Keadle boosted by power-wielding conservative group . https://archive.today/20130215171654/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/24/3267859/scott-keadle-boosted-by-power.html . dead . 2013-02-15 . January 22, 2013 . The Charlotte Observer . 2012-05-26 .
- Web site: Club for Growth PAC Endorses David McIntosh for Congress . https://archive.today/20130414134510/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/pr/?postID=1048 . dead . April 14, 2013 . Club for Growth . January 22, 2013 .
- Web site: Club for Growth PAC Endorses Keith Rothfus for U.S. Congress . https://archive.today/20130414113052/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/news/?id=1067&v=pr . dead . April 14, 2013 . Club for Growth . February 13, 2013 .
- Web site: PAC Candidates . Club for Growth . January 14, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140208012452/http://www.clubforgrowth.org/pac-candidates/ . February 8, 2014 .
- Web site: Michigan–Summary Vote Results. Associated Press. August 6, 2014.
- News: Sullivan. Sean. Tea-party-backed Ben Sasse wins Nebraska primary for U.S. Senate. May 15, 2014. The Washington Post. 2014-05-13.
- News: Burns. Alexander. Thad Cochran, Chris McDaniel barrel toward runoff. June 10, 2014. June 4, 2014.
- News: Walshe. Shussanah. Six-Term Incumbent Sen. Thad Cochran Beats Tea Party Challenger, Chris McDaniel. June 27, 2014. ABC News. 2014-06-24.
- News: Cahn. Emily. Arkansas Primary Results: French Hill, Bruce Westerman Win GOP Primaries. June 27, 2014. Roll Call. 2014-05-20.
- News: Parti. Tarini. Idaho's Mike Simpson beats Club for Growth-backed Bryan Smith. May 22, 2014. Politico. 2014-05-21.
- News: Joseph. Cameron. Club for Growth picks Sullivan for Alaska Senate. March 20, 2014. The Hill.
- Web site: 2014 U.S. Senate Results. Election Central. Politico. August 20, 2014.
- News: O'Keefe. Ed. Ralph Hall challenger John Ratcliffe picks up endorsements from Club for Growth, Madison Project. March 25, 2014. The Washington Post. 2014-03-25.
- Web site: Texas – Summary Vote Results. Associated Press. June 2, 2014.
- News: Stinson. Jim. Club for Growth endorses Chad Mathis in GOP primary for Congressional District 6. May 7, 2014. AL.com. May 1, 2014.
- Web site: Election Results. Politico. June 9, 2014.
- Web site: Election Results. Associated Press. July 24, 2014.
- News: Georgia Election Results. June 27, 2014. Associated Press.
- News: Howard. Marcus. Buddy Carter wins 1st Congressional District Republican runoff. July 24, 2014. Savannah Morning News. 2014-07-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20140725135141/http://savannahnow.com/news/2014-07-22/buddy-carter-wins-1st-congressional-district-republican-runoff#.U9E_gUh8Gnc. July 25, 2014. dead. mdy-all.
- News: Seitz. Blake. Former Rep. Todd Tiahrt sets off GOP primary fight in Kansas with challenge to Mike Pompeo. June 2, 2014. Washington Examiner. 2014-05-20.
- Web site: Kansas–Summary Vote Results. Associated Press. August 6, 2014.
- News: Underwood. Madison. Club for Growth endorses Gary Palmer in 6th District runoff. June 27, 2014. AL.com. 2014-06-11.
- News: Cahn. Emily. Alabama Runoff Results: Gary Palmer Wins Republican Nomination. July 16, 2014. Roll Call. 2014-07-15.
- News: Livingston. Abby. Club for Growth Backs New Hampshire House Candidate. June 27, 2014. Roll Call. 2014-06-20.
- Web site: Primary 2014: Wins In Hand For Brown, Havenstein, Garcia, Guinta. New Hampshire Public Radio. September 9, 2014. September 9, 2014.
- News: Lovelace. Ryan. Club for Growth hits Fiorina on 'concerning level of inconsistencies'. December 1, 2015. Washington Examiner. November 19, 2015.
- News: Camia. Catalina. Club for Growth hits Mike Huckabee on taxes in new ad. July 6, 2015. USA Today. May 5, 2015.
- News: Kapur. Sahil. Donald Trump: Club For Growth Is Attacking Me After Seeking $1 Million Donation. July 6, 2015. Bloomberg L.P.. June 17, 2015.
- News: Reinhard. Beth. Jeb Bush Faulted Over Use of Florida Tax Money. July 6, 2015. The Wall Street Journal. June 12, 2015.
- News: Easley. Jonathan. Club for Growth claims credit as Trump drops in Iowa. November 6, 2015. The Hill. October 23, 2015.
- News: McIntosh. David. Rating GOP's pro-growth contenders: Club for Growth. August 10, 2015. USA Today. August 5, 2015.
- News: O'Connor. Patrick. Club for Growth PAC Blesses Five GOP Candidates. August 11, 2015. The Wall Street Journal. August 10, 2015.
- News: Kaczynski. Andrew. Club for Growth PAC Blesses Five GOP Candidates. November 6, 2015. BuzzFeed. October 29, 2015.
- News: Epstein. Reid. Super PACS Launch Anti-Trump Ads in Florida, Illinois and Michigan. March 3, 2016. The Wall Street Journal. March 2, 2016.
- News: Rappeport. Alan. Donald Trump Threatens to Sue Club for Growth Over Ad Campaign. October 8, 2015. The New York Times. September 22, 2015.
- News: Confessore. Nicholas. Rappeport. Alan. Donald Trump Is Target of Conservative Ad Campaign. October 8, 2015. The New York Times. September 15, 2015.
- News: Schouten. Fredreka. Club for Growth launches ad campaign against Donald Trump in Iowa. October 8, 2015. USA Today. September 15, 2015.
- News: Adler. Jonathan. Donald Trump v. Club for Growth. October 8, 2015. The Washington Post. September 25, 2015.
- News: Everett. Burgess. Club for Growth warns against Trump endorsements. March 3, 2016. Politico. March 1, 2016.
- News: Everett. Burgess. Club for Growth backs off Trump threat. July 12, 2016. Politico. May 4, 2016.
- News: Goldmacher. Shane. Club for Growth endorses Ted Cruz. April 1, 2016. Politico. March 23, 2016.
- News: Hudnall. David. Weird Club for Growth Attack Ad Hits Renee Ellmers for Supporting Big Sheep. January 28, 2017. Indy Week. February 9, 2016.
- News: Cahn. Emily. Club for Growth Endorses 6 Senators for 2016. December 10, 2014. Roll Call. November 12, 2014. December 29, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141229043617/http://atr.rollcall.com/club-for-growth-endorses-six-senators-2016/. dead.
- News: Groppe. Maureen. Club for Growth endorses Stutzman for U.S. Senate. August 10, 2015. Indianapolis Star. August 5, 2015.
- News: Groppe. Maureen. Young wins GOP Senate primary over Stutzman. May 24, 2016. Indianapolis Star. May 4, 2016.
- News: PAC endorses Davidson for 8th Congressional District. January 13, 2016. The Journal-News. January 12, 2016.
- News: Peterson. Kristina. O'Connor. Patrick. Warren Davidson Wins Ohio Republican Primary for John Boehner's Seat. April 1, 2016. The Wall Street Journal. March 16, 2016.
- News: Warren Davidson wins race to replace John Boehner. June 8, 2016. Dayton Daily News. June 7, 2016.
- News: Clifton. Grant. Club for Growth endorses Jim Banks for congress. October 8, 2015. Indianapolis Star. September 18, 2015.
- News: Wittmeyer. Sara. Jim Banks Secures GOP Nomination In U.S. 3rd District. May 24, 2016. Indiana Public Media. May 3, 2016.
- News: Yokley. Eli. Club for Growth Makes Shimkus Second GOP Target. January 9, 2016. Roll Call. January 6, 2015.
- News: Congressman Shimkus Has Easy Primary Win Over Kyle McCarter. April 1, 2016. WJDB. March 16, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160320033942/http://www.wjbdradio.com/LocalNews/Congressman-Shimkus-Has-Easy-Primary-Win-Over-Kyle-McCarter#.Vv7X7D_vOac. March 20, 2016. dead. mdy-all.
- News: Schneider. Elena. IOWA COUNTDOWN ... THREE days. January 29, 2016. Politico. January 29, 2016.
- News: Boyd. Kevin. John Fleming Lands Major Conservative Endorsement In The U.S. Senate Race. May 2, 2016. The Hayride. April 19, 2016.
- News: Bluestein. Greg. Top Georgia Democrat: 2017 will be the start of a Medicaid expansion. May 2, 2016. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. April 22, 2016.
- News: Gould Sheinin. Aaron. Hallerman. Tamar. Crane, Ferguson head into GOP runoff to fill Lynn Westmoreland's seat. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. May 24, 2016.
- News: Wireback. Taft. Political neophyte draws big-dollar support in District 13 House race. May 24, 2016. Winston-Salem Journal. May 19, 2016.
- News: Valencia. Jorge. First-Time Candidate Ted Budd Takes 13th District GOP Nomination. June 8, 2016. WUNC. June 7, 2016.
- News: Sachtleben. Doug. Club for Growth PAC Endorses Andy Biggs (AZ-05). August 1, 2016. Club for Growth. July 13, 2016.
- News: Bade. Rachael. Rachael Bade. Establishment frets: Freedom Caucus and Club for Growth in cahoots. September 1, 2016. Politico. August 26, 2016.
- News: Hilburn. Greg. 1 Club for Growth, Webster Republicans endorse Johnson. October 26, 2016. The News-Star. October 4, 2016.
- Web site: Club for Growth to Air TV Ad Against Handel in Georgia Special. 2017-03-28. Roll Call. 2017-03-28.
- Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine:
- News: Pathé. Simone. Club for Growth Steps Into South Carolina GOP Primary. May 19, 2017. Roll Call. May 10, 2017.
- News: Super PAC jumps into the 3rd CD Republican Primary. Bryan. Super PAC jumps into the 3rd CD Republican Primary. August 4, 2017. Utah Policy. July 24, 2017.
- News: Yokley. Eli. Club for Growth Backs Josh Mandel for 2018 Ohio Senate Race. January 3, 2017. Morning Consult. December 21, 2016.
- News: Pathé. Simone. Republican Matt Rosendale Challenging Montana's Jon Tester. August 4, 2017. Roll Call. July 31, 2017.
- News: Svitek. Patrick. GOP state Sen. Van Taylor of Plano makes congressional run official. September 5, 2017. Texas Tribune. August 23, 2017.
- News: Bowden. John. Club for Growth endorses Nicholson in Wisconsin GOP primary. September 5, 2017. The Hill. August 15, 2017.
- News: Club for Growth endorses Fulcher in Idaho congressional race. December 7, 2017. Associated Press. Seattle Times. November 27, 2017.
- News: Morrill . Jim . Bishop wins endorsement that could mean more outside money in the 9th District primary. 2 May 2019 . The Charlotte Observer . April 21, 2019.
- News: Morrill . Jim . Republican Dan Bishop wins NC District 9 GOP primary to face Democrat Dan McCready . 4 June 2019 . The Charlotte Observer . May 14, 2019.
- News: Mutnik . Ally . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Fred Keller . 2 May 2019 . National Journal . April 11, 2019.
- News: Beague . John . Pennsylvania Real-Time News Fred Keller to become 12th District's congressman Monday, replacing Tom Marino . 4 June 2019 . Penn Live . June 1, 2019.
- News: Pathe . Simone . Club for Growth backs a woman in 17-person North Carolina primary . 2 May 2019 . Roll Call . April 17, 2019.
- Web site: Club for Growth takes aim at impeachment backers Cheney, Anthony Gonzalez. POLITICO.
- News: Pathé . Simone . It's no longer all about Republican primaries for the Club for Growth . 25 June 2019 . Roll Call . March 7, 2019.
- News: Brufke . Juliegrace . Republican who lost Montana Senate bid to run for House next year . 25 June 2019 . The Hill . June 17, 2019.
- News: Moseley . Brandon . Elections Club for Growth PAC Endorses Bill Hightower . 7 August 2019 . Alabama Political Reporter . August 6, 2019.
- News: South Carolina First District Race: Nancy Mace Gets National Endorsement . 4 November 2019 . FIT News . November 4, 2019.
- News: Portnoy . Jenna . Va. Del. Nicholas J. Freitas joins Republican race to challenge U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger . 3 December 2019 . The Washington Post . December 2, 2019.
- News: Burns . Christopher . Eric Brakey officially announces 2020 bid for Maine's 2nd District seat . 4 October 2019 . WGME . September 17, 2019.
- News: Kapos . Shia . Hurst . Adrienne . Illinois Playbook . 7 January 2020 . Politico . December 17, 2019.
- News: Reynolds . Nick . Flirting with a Senate run, Foster Friess to kick off 'listening tour' of Wyoming . 7 February 2020 . Casper Star Tribune . January 17, 2020.
- News: Warren . Thomas . Club For Growth Endorses Ekstrom for Congress . 7 February 2020 . Amarillo Pioneer . January 13, 2020.
- News: Isenstadt . Alex . Club for Growth works to defeat House GOP incumbent . 7 February 2020 . Politico . January 23, 2020.
- News: Kowles . Naomi . Outside spending, campaign fundraising narrowly separates GOP 7th Congressional candidates . 7 February 2020 . WSAW . February 6, 2020.
- News: Galloway . Jim . The Jolt: The Kelly Loeffler-Doug Collins fight is dialed up to 11 . 4 March 2020 . The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . February 25, 2020.
- News: Arkin . James . endorses Tuberville in Alabama . 1 April 2020 . Politico . March 16, 2020.
- News: Montellaro . Zach . Milwaukee's long lines could be a warning ahead of November . 4 May 2020 . Politico . April 8, 2020.
- News: Political Insider . 4 May 2020 . The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . April 20, 2020.
- News: Svitek . Patrick . Influential conservative group endorses Ronny Jackson over Josh Winegarner in runoff for U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry's seat . 26 May 2020 . Texas Tribune . May 25, 2020.
- News: Ogles . Jacob . Club For Growth backs Byron Donalds in CD 19 . 8 July 2020 . Florida Politics . June 10, 2020.
- News: Club for Growth endorses Timothy Hill for Congress . 8 July 2020 . WJHL . July 7, 2020.
- Web site: Orr . Gabby . 2022-04-27 . Trump unleashes his temper on GOP allies over Ohio Senate primary split CNN Politics . 2024-07-29 . CNN . en.
- Web site: Andrew J. Tobias . cleveland com . 2022-04-27 . Powerful conservative group bashes Donald Trump’s endorsement of J.D. Vance in Ohio Senate race . 2024-07-29 . cleveland . en.
- Web site: Club for Growth Vance ad Campaign 2022 . 2024-07-29 . www.washingtonpost.com . en.
- Web site: Bradner . Eric . 2022-04-27 . ‘It’s created a bit of chaos’: How Trump’s involvement is shaking up the Ohio Senate race CNN Politics . 2024-07-29 . CNN . en.
- Web site: Axelrod . Tal . 2021-05-13 . Club for Growth endorses DeSantis reelection bid . 2024-07-28 . The Hill . en-US.
- Web site: Updates . CFG PAC . 2021-03-04 . CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC ENDORSES JOSH MANDEL FOR SENATE IN OHIO . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Moseley . Brandon . 2021-06-15 . Club for Growth endorses Mo Brooks in Senate race . 2024-07-28 . Alabama Political Reporter . en-US.
- News: Bender . Michael C. . 2022-05-12 . Trump criticizes Kathy Barnette as she surges in Pennsylvania’s G.O.P. Senate primary . 2024-07-28 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
- News: Ulloa . Jazmine . Bender . Michael C. . 2022-05-16 . G.O.P. Senate Candidate in North Carolina Thrives as 2 Key Backers Squabble . 2024-07-28 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
- Web site: Greenwood . Max . 2022-02-03 . Club for Growth endorses Blake Masters in Arizona Senate race . 2024-07-28 . The Hill . en-US.
- Web site: Decatur . Ben . 2021-11-04 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Adam Laxalt for Nevada Senate . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Updates . CFG PAC . 2021-02-12 . CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC ENDORSES SENATOR MIKE LEE (R-UT) . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Updates . CFG PAC . 2021-02-12 . CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC ENDORSES SENATOR RAND PAUL (R-KY) . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Ogles . Jacob . 2022-06-17 . Club for Growth gives its powerful endorsement to Anna Paulina Luna in CD 13 . 2024-07-28 . Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. . en-US.
- Web site: 2022-01-19 . Conservative group backs Mary Miller over Rodney Davis in battle of Illinois GOP incumbents News gazette.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20220119025913/https://gazette.com/news/conservative-group-backs-mary-miller-over-rodney-davis-in-battle-of-illinois-gop-incumbents/article_a0dc8353-13ab-5abc-ae31-6abfa54b5b60.html . dead . 2022-01-19 . 2024-07-28 .
- Web site: Rep. David McKinley: ‘No Qualms’ Over Infrastructure Vote . 2024-07-28 . theintelligencer.net . en-US.
- Web site: Jackson . Herb . 2022-04-21 . At the Races: No recess for campaign money . 2024-07-28 . Roll Call . en-US.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2022-03-28 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Scott Baugh in CA-47 . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2022-02-16 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Rep. Dan Bishop in North Carolina . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Club for Growth group jumps in to boost Josh Brecheen's CD2 campaign . 2024-07-28 . Sooner Politics.org . en.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2022-07-06 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Yesli Vega for VA-07 . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2021-09-01 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Eric Burlison in MO-07 . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2022-02-15 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Bo Hines in North Carolina . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2021-12-21 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Reelection of Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02) . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Mitola . Will . 2022-11-09 . Club for Growth PAC Congratulates Andy Ogles on TN-05 Victory . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Mitola . Will . 2022-11-09 . Club for Growth PAC Congratulates Chip Roy on TX-21 Victory . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2022-09-26 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses David Schweikert in AZ-01 Congressional Race . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2022-06-23 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Catalina Lauf for IL-11 . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Kildea . Joe . 2022-01-21 . Club for Growth PAC Endorses Rich McCormick in GA-06 . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.
- Web site: Decatur . Ben . 2021-03-22 . CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC ENDORSES MAX MILLER FOR CONGRESS IN OHIO . 2024-07-28 . Club for Growth . en-US.