In a tiny private dining room of a popular Capitol Hill restaurant in late September, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) sat at the center of a long table flanked by about a dozen major Republican donors. He discussed the origins of recent U.S. monetary policy, recalled minute details of political battles that took place decades ago and delivered first-hand accounts of modern American history that only a handful of people in the country could give.
As the discussion turned toward the GOP’s chances to retake the Senate in 2014, Shelby paused to thank the individuals sitting around the table for helping to provide the resources to make it possible.
“I appreciate you all,” he said. “Probably more than you’ll ever know.”
Shelby’s legacy inside of Alabama will include countless economic development successes and the expansion of some of the country’s top research facilities at the state’s universities.
But it is at this table — and countless tables like it over the years — that Shelby has secured his legacy in national Republican circles for being one of the party’s most prolific fundraisers.
And this election cycle has been no different.
Shelby’s Defend America PAC has “maxed out,” or donated the most amount of money allowed under campaign finance laws, to every single Republican incumbent senator, along with all viable GOP challengers, in the 2014 cycle.
He has also attended, headlined, and organized fundraisers for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), including one recent event in Huntsville that brought in approximately $800,000. After the Huntsville event, he has raised approximately $1 million for the NRSC’s efforts to retake the upper chamber.
“Senator Shelby has consistently been among the most helpful fundraisers for the NRSC,” said Sen. Jerry Moran, who heads up the NRSC. “He has not only contributed to the NRSC with his time and resources, but he has called upon his supporters to be our supporters, for which we are very grateful. Without the efforts of Republicans like Senator Shelby, we would not be in the position we are in today to take back the Senate Majority.”
Between his campaign and PAC donations, and his fundraising for the NRSC and individual candidates, Shelby’s financial contributions to the GOP’s efforts to retake the senate exceed $1.5 million this cycle.
Needless to say, if Republicans are successful in picking up the six seats they need to retake the majority, he will have played an integral in making it possible.
And as we’ve written before, no state gains more than Alabama if Republicans take over the senate.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
