GOPers Launch CAP Rival
A prominent and wealthy group of GOP heavyweights are unveiling 2 new groups aimed at revitalizing the party's policy offerings, then pay for ads to spread the message.
The American Action Forum, a 501(c)(3) group, will act as a policy forum, while the American Action Network, a 501(c)(4) organization, will fund ads and other outreach. Doug Holtz-Eakin, the former CBO director and GOP strategist, will head the forum, while Rob Collins, a former top aide to Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), will head the more politically-oriented network.
Ex-Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), who lost his seat in '08 and who held a top post at the Republican Jewish Coalition, will serve as the Network's CEO.
The groups will try and replicate the success of the Center for American Progress, the left-leaning think tank founded by ex-Clinton CoS John Podesta in '03. CAP now plays a significant role in Dem policy circles, and Podesta -- who headed Pres. Obama's transition team -- is widely viewed as one of the more influential thinkers in the party.
And as tensions between Congressional leaders and the RNC continue to bubble just under the surface, the forum and the network could play a more critical role in this year's elections. As major donors look for a trustworthy depository for their campaign contributions, outside groups with well-known figures controlling the purse strings will begin to play a key role in distributing the GOP's message.
The American Action Forum and Network will start its life with some big names to attract those donations. Ex-Sens. Coleman, George Allen (R-VA) and Mel Martinez (R-FL), ex-Reps. Jim Nussle (R-IA), Tom Reynolds (R-NY) and Susan Moliarni (R-NY) and major GOP donors Fred Malek, Isaac Applbaum, Dylan Glenn and Gregory Slayton will all serve on the board. Top GOP strategist Maria Cino and ex-Amb. C. Boyden Gray are also board members.
The board will gather this afternoon at the National Press Club to unveil their '10 midterm plans.
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