The Path to Victory

THE PATH TO VICTORY

INDD Booklet.indd 1 6/20/14 1:15 PM ABOUT THE RSLC

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders in the country whose mission is to elect down-ballot, state-level Republican officeholders. Since 2002, the RSLC has been electing candidates to the office of lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and state legislator.

The RLCC has a strong track record of success in targeting resources to help build and grow Republican legislative majorities in all fifty states. Republican- led states lead the way in addressing our nation’s most critical issues through balancing budgets, eliminating debt and growing jobs. 3 ABOUT THE RSLC The RLGA is the only national organization supporting Republican lieutenant 4 governors and candidates. As executive officers, most lieutenant governors RSLC LEADERSHIP preside over their State Senates. Several appoint all boards and committees. Republican lieutenant governors actively champion robust 6 policies to create pro-business climates within their states. SHAPING THE PARTY’S FUTURE

8 The RSSC supports the Republican leaders who maintain the integrity of NATIONAL STATE OF PLAY the nation’s electoral system. In addition to conducting fair elections, many secretaries also oversee corporation registration, professional licensing and 9 perform other critical tasks that encourage economic development. EARLY SIGNS OF STRENGTH

10 FMP creates a long-term, sustained commitment of significant contributions of TARGET STATES time and resources to support and elect female and diverse candidates. FMP brings the full support offered by the RSLC to candidates who reflect America’s 12 full diversity. TRENDS

15 PREDICTIONS JFI invests in citizen education efforts to ensure voters know the record and 19 ideology of candidates for judicial branch elections. STAFF CONTACTS

INDD Booklet.indd 2 6/20/14 1:15 PM ABOUT THE RSLC

15 PREDICTIONS JFI invests in citizen education efforts to ensure voters know the record and 19 ideology of candidates for judicial branch elections. STAFF CONTACTS

INDD Booklet.indd 3 6/20/14 1:15 PM RSLC LEADERSHIP RSLC LEADERSHIP

Tate Reeves Brian Kemp Sam Smith Bill McCollum, Chairman Lieutenant Governor, MS Secretary of State, GA Speaker of the House, PA Christopher Rants, Vice Chairman Jodi Rell Former U.S. Congressman & RLGA Chairman RSSC Chairman RLCC Chairman Former Speaker, Iowa Former Governor, Connecticut Attorney General, Florida

Christine Toretti David Wilkins Luis Fortuño Rebecca Kleefisch Kim Wyman Beth Harwell Founder, Women Lead PAC Former U.S. Ambassador, Canada Former Governor, Puerto Rico Lieutenant Governor, WI Secretary of State, WA Speaker of the House, TN ‘Right Women, Right Now’ Co-Chair ‘Right Women, Right Now’ Co-Chair ‘Right Women, Right Now’ Co- Chair

Charlie Black Karen Handel Matt Walter Susana Martinez Brian Sandoval Chairman, Prime Policy Group Former Secretary of State, Georgia RSLC President Governor, New Mexico Governor, Nevada Future Majority Project Co-Chair Future Majority Project Co-Chair 4 5

INDD Booklet.indd 4 6/20/14 1:15 PM RSLC BOARD MEMBERS RSLC LEADERSHIP

Tate Reeves Brian Kemp Sam Smith Bill McCollum, Chairman Christopher Rants, Vice Chairman Lieutenant Governor, MS Secretary of State, GA Speaker of the House, PA Former U.S. Congressman & Former Speaker, Iowa RLGA Chairman RSSC Chairman RLCC Chairman Attorney General, Florida

Charlie Black Matt Walter Susana Martinez Brian Sandoval Chairman, Prime Policy Group RSLC President Governor, New Mexico Governor, Nevada Future Majority Project Co-Chair Future Majority Project Co-Chair 4 5

INDD Booklet.indd 5 6/20/14 1:15 PM SHAPING THE PARTY’S FUTURE SHAPING THE PARTY’S FUTURE

BUILDING THE BENCH State-level leaders often go on to serve at the federal level. In the 113th Congress, more than half of the members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate got their start as state-level leaders. FUTURE MAJORITY PROJECT U.S. HOUSE U.S. SENATE The Future Majority Project (FMP) seeks to recruit, train and support candidates that better reflect the full diversity of America. We have exceeded FMP goals for 2014 by identifying 200 first-time candidates from diverse backgrounds and 300 new women candidates as part of the ‘Right Women, Right Now’ initiative. FMP will support these men and women as they run to grow the economy, support job creators and focus on ways to keep more money in the pockets of working families.

The Future Majority Project is co-chaired by Governors Susana Martinez (NM) and Brian Sandoval (NV). Previous occupations of the 113th Congress: 10 Governors 8 Lieutenant Governors 7 Secretaries of State 262 State Legislators RIGHT WOMEN, RIGHT NOW Additionally, more than half of the nation’s current governors previously served in other state-level offices. Co-Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch (WI), Secretary Kim Wyman (WA) and Speaker Beth Harwell (TN), ‘Right Women, REPUBLICANS CURRENTLY HOLD Right Now’ offers training, support, mentorship and events for women running for office for the first time and leadership opportunities for current elected women.

60 of 99 28 of 45 28 of 50 FUTURE MAJORITY CAUCUS Legislative Lieutenant Secretaries chambers governors of state The Future Majority Caucus is a cooperative board of 25 recently elected, diverse Republicans serving in state legislatures across the nation. Together, they work to expand the scope of recruitment and mentorship for candidates of all diverse communities and assist with setting and achieving FMP recruitment goals. DIGITAL INVESTMENTS

Launched in 2014, .gop is the preferred domain name for all Republicans JUDICIAL FAIRNESS INITIATIVE and conservatives online. The RSLC joins hundreds of other innovative companies in running a proprietary web ending. As the only political The Judicial Fairness Initiative (JFI) is the RSLC’s newest program to party in the world to run its own web ending, .gop makes history by elect down ballot, state-level conservatives. Through JFI, the RSLC connecting and uniting the entire Party in an online neighborhood and becomes the only national political organization focused on the electoral creating a national support structure for digital initiatives. The registry process of judicial branches at the state level. Too often voters are starved positions the RSLC and the Party on the cutting edge. Visit join.gop to of information about judicial candidates and forced to vote completely in secure your domain today. the dark. To address this critically important need, JFI provides research, resource unification, citizen education and voter contact to support them.

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INDD Booklet.indd 6 6/20/14 1:15 PM SHAPING THE PARTY’S FUTURE SHAPING THE PARTY’S FUTURE

BUILDING THE BENCH State-level leaders often go on to serve at the federal level. In the 113th Congress, more than half of the members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate got their start as state-level leaders. FUTURE MAJORITY PROJECT U.S. HOUSE U.S. SENATE The Future Majority Project (FMP) seeks to recruit, train and support candidates that better reflect the full diversity of America. We have exceeded FMP goals for 2014 by identifying over 240 first-time candidates from diverse backgrounds and, as part of the 'Right Women, Right Now' initiative, nearly 500 new female candidates. FMP will support these men and women as they run to grow the economy, support job creators and focus on ways to keep more money in the pockets of working families.

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INDD Booklet.indd 7 6/20/14 1:15 PM NATIONAL STATE OF PLAY EARLY SIGNS OF STRENGTH

FAVORABLE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

History shows the generic congressional ballot and president’s approval rating are reliable leading indicators for down-ballot races in midterms. When the president’s approval rating is below 50%, his party suffers massive losses on the state level.

President Obama’s approval rating hovers around 41%.

1974 1994 2006 President Nixon’s President Clinton’s President Bush’s Approval Rating: Approval Rating: Approval Rating:

24% 46% 39% Democratic seats Democratic seats Democratic seats gained: gained: gained:

628 514 322

The Fiscal Times’ list of Best States for Taxes was dominated by states with Republican Legislatures. The red states took 4 of the top 5 and 7 of the top 10 spots.

CNBC noted for 2013 that 9 of the top 10 states for business were states completely controlled by Republican legislatures.

The Tax Foundation’s 2014 top 10 states for business tax climate included 7 states where Republicans control both houses of the legislature.

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INDD Booklet.indd 8 6/20/14 1:15 PM NATIONAL STATE OF PLAY EARLY SIGNS OF STRENGTH

FAVORABLE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

President Obama’s approval rating hovers around 41%.

1974 1994 2006 President Nixon’s President Clinton’s President Bush’s Approval Rating: Approval Rating: Approval Rating:

24% 46% 39% Democratic seats Republican Democratic seats gained: seats gained: gained:

628 514 322

The Fiscal Times’ list of Best States for Taxes was dominated by states with Republican legislatures. The red states took 4 of the top 5 and 7 of the top 10 spots.

CNBC noted for 2013 that 9 of the top 10 states for business were states completely controlled by Republican legislatures.

The Tax Foundation’s 2014 State Business Climate Index showed red states leading the way. Of the top 10 states, 7 are completely controlled by Republican legislatures.

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INDD Booklet.indd 9 6/20/14 1:15 PM TARGET STATES TARGET STATES

Note: These maps are intended to demonstrate where the campaigns to claim the majority are most competitive and are not inclusive of where all resources will be directed. Note: These maps are intended to demonstrate the most competitive state races and are not inclusive of where all resources will be directed. 10 11

INDD Booklet.indd 10 6/20/14 1:15 PM TARGET STATES TARGET STATES

INDD Booklet.indd 11 6/20/14 1:15 PM TRENDS TRENDS

OBAMA REPUDIATION STATES POPULAR REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS BUILDING NEW MAJORITIES President Obama struggles to top 35% approval in these four states, each with high profile U.S. Republican Governors Sandoval (NV), Martinez (NM) and Branstad (IA) in Presidential swing states Senate races that will highlight the failure of Obama policies. Republicans are positioned to protect their remain consistently popular, drawing weak opposition on their march to reelection. Governors Sandoval new majorities in the Alaska Senate and both chambers of the Arkansas Legislature. After sweeping and Martinez also serve as co-chairs of the Future Majority Project. Each share the ticket with high changes in recent years in Southern states, the Kentucky House and West Virginia Legislature are profile statewide and legislative races important to building a Republican team that will support their the last remaining Democratic majorities poised for a Republican takeover. agendas in the next term.

25.1% 33.5%

WEST VIRGINIA ALASKA NEVADA NEW MEXICO IOWA Republicans seek to win one seat Republicans look to win three Republicans are positioned to for a Senate majority, defeat seats for the House majority and hold the lieutenant governor and Harry Reid’s handpicked defend the lieutenant governor secretary of state along with lieutenant governor candidate and secretary of state. the House, and aim to capture 34.9% and pick up the open seat for the Senate. 35.1% secretary of state.

ARKANSAS KENTUCKY MOMENTUM OF THE LEFT COAST Note: The above percentages represent recent Obama polling numbers. MIDWESTERN REFORMERS CEMENTING REPUBLICAN MAJORITIES Republicans hold a majority coalition in the Washington Senate and a favorable political environment One of the most dramatic shifts in the 2010 elections occurred when Republicans swept four governors’ offers opportunities to challenge Democratic control and make gains up and down the West Coast. races in the Great Lakes region with success in winning constitutional offices and across-the-board Washington House Republicans have gained seats in four straight election years. In Oregon, the Senate legislative majorities. Despite all four states going blue in the 2012 presidential race, state-level is narrowly divided and the House had split control after the 2010 elections. California Democrats are Republicans retained control and have an opportunity to strengthen majorities with victories this reeling since three recent legislators have been arrested, indicted or convicted of corruption. November.

WISCONSIN MICHIGAN OHIO PENNSYLVANIA CALIFORNIA OREGON WASHINGTON Gov. Walker and Lt. Gov. Republicans are Statewide Republicans Obama’s record-low Narrow Democrat super majorities Senate Republicans are within Secretary of State Kim Wyman Kleefisch are poised to positioned for a continued remain strong while numbers are dragging are vulnerable with Republicans two seats of a majority. The House is well-positioned as the sole win re-election while the statewide office sweep. Democrats struggle; down Democrats. within striking distance of breaking is positioned for gains. statewide elected Republican. Assembly and Senate public polling shows them in both chambers. The Senate Republican Majority majorities should grow. that the state is on the Coalition remains strong. right track.

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INDD Booklet.indd 12 6/20/14 1:15 PM TRENDS TRENDS

OBAMA REPUDIATION STATES POPULAR REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS BUILDING NEW MAJORITIES While President Obama struggles to top 35% approval in these four states, each with high profile U.S. Republican Governors Sandoval (NV), Martinez (NM) and Branstad (IA) in presidential swing states Senate races that will highlight the failure of Obama policies, Republicans are positioned to protect their remain consistently popular, drawing weak opposition on their march to re-election. Governors new majorities in the Alaska Senate and both chambers of the Arkansas Legislature. After sweeping Sandoval and Martinez also serve as co-chairs of the Future Majority Project. Each candidate changes in recent years in Southern states, the Kentucky House and West Virginia Legislature are the shares the ticket with high profile statewide and legislative races important to building a Republican last remaining Democrat majorities poised for a Republican takeover. team that will support their agendas in the next term.

25.1% 33.5%

WEST VIRGINIA ALASKA NEVADA NEW MEXICO IOWA Republicans seek to win one seat Republicans look to win three Republicans are positioned to for a Senate majority, defeat seats for the House majority and hold the lieutenant governor and Harry Reid’s hand-picked defend the lieutenant governor secretary of state along with lieutenant governor candidate and secretary of state. the House, and aim to capture 34.9% and pick up the open seat for the Senate. 35.1% secretary of state.

ARKANSAS KENTUCKY MOMENTUM OF THE LEFT COAST Note: The above percentages represent recent Obama polling numbers. MIDWESTERN REFORMERS CEMENTING REPUBLICAN MAJORITIES Republicans hold a majority coalition in the Washington Senate and a favorable political environment One of the most dramatic shifts in the 2010 elections occurred when Republicans swept four governors’ offers opportunities to challenge Democratic control and make gains up and down the West Coast. races in the Great Lakes region with success in winning constitutional offices and across-the-board Washington House Republicans have gained seats in four straight election years. In Oregon, the legislative majorities. Despite all four states going blue in the 2013 Presidential race, state-level Senate is narrowly divided and the House had shared control after the 2010 elections. California Republicans retained control and have an opportunity to strengthen majorities with victories this Democrats are reeling since three recent legislators have been arrested, indicted or convicted of November. corruption.

WISCONSIN MICHIGAN OHIO PENNSYLVANIA CALIFORNIA OREGON WASHINGTON Gov. Walker and Lt. Gov. Republicans are Statewide Republicans Obama’s record-low Narrow Democratic Senate Republicans are within Secretary of State Kim Wyman Kleefisch are poised to positioned for a continued remain strong while numbers are dragging supermajorities are vulnerable two seats of a majority. The House is well-positioned as the sole win re-election while the statewide office sweep. Democrats struggle; down Democrats. with Republicans within striking is positioned for gains. statewide elected Republican. Assembly and Senate public polling shows distance of breaking them in both The Senate Republican majorities should grow. that the state is on the chambers. majority coalition remains right track. strong.

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INDD Booklet.indd 13 6/20/14 1:15 PM TRENDS PREDICTIONS

Momentum is building for Republicans from coast to coast. In red states and solidly blue states, we’ve On Election Day 2014, Republicans will reach historic highs in chamber control, flipping the narrow noticed several Republican pickup opportunities as a result of strong candidates, solid ground Democratic majorities in the Colorado Senate, Nevada Senate, New Mexico House, Kentucky House game, exceptional campaigns and a focus on winning conservative issues. and West Virginia House. Republicans will also win back control in the Minnesota House and New Hampshire House after 2012 losses. The GOP will cement majorities in the Alaska Senate, Arkansas House, Iowa House, Michigan House, Ohio House, Pennsylvania House and both chambers in RECENT NOTABLE ELECTIONS AND VICTORIES Arizona and Wisconsin, while protecting Republican majority coalitions in the New York Senate and the Washington Senate.

ARKANSAS VIRGINIA CALIFORNIA Republicans expanded a Republicans expanded to Andy Vidak won a Senate new Senate majority by a 68-seat supermajority in special election, the first winning a special election the House of Delegates time either party flipped in a district not held since with a pickup in a 55% control of a seat in a Reconstruction. Obama District. special election since 1996.

NOTABLE WOMEN ELECTED IN BATTLEGROUND STATES IN 2013

WISCONSIN WASHINGTON KENTUCKY Jessie Rodriguez Jan Angel won the SD-26 Suzanne Miles secured became the first Latina special election - the most victory in a district with representative in the state’s expensive legislative race in a 3-to-1 Democratic history. state history. registration advantage.

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INDD Booklet.indd 14 6/20/14 1:15 PM TRENDS PREDICTIONS

Momentum is building for Republicans from coast to coast. In red states and in solidly blue states we’ve On Election Day 2014, Republicans will reach historic highs in chamber control, flipping the narrow noticed several Republican pickups as a result of strong candidates, solid ground game, exceptional Democratic majorities in the Colorado Senate, Nevada Senate, New Mexico House, Kentucky House campaigns and a focus on winning conservative issues. and West Virginia House. Republicans will also win back control in the Minnesota House and New Hampshire House after 2012 losses. The GOP will cement majorities in the Alaska Senate, Arkansas House, Iowa House, Michigan House, Ohio House, Pennsylvania House and both chambers in RECENT NOTABLE ELECTIONS AND VICTORIES Arizona and Wisconsin, while protecting Republican majority coalitions in the New York Senate and the Washington Senate.

ARKANSAS VIRGINIA CALIFORNIA Republicans expanded a Republicans expanded to Andy Vidak won a Senate new Senate majority by a 68-seat super-majority in special election, the first winning a special election the House of Delegates time either party flipped in a district not held since with a pickup in a 55% control of a seat in a Reconstruction. Obama District. special election since 1996.

NOTABLE WOMEN ELECTED IN BATTLEGROUND STATES IN 2013

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INDD Booklet.indd 15 6/20/14 1:15 PM PREDICTIONS PREDICTIONS

Defeating Harry Reid’s hand-picked candidate, Republicans will defend an open seat in Republicans will pick up a term-limited open seat in Nevada, while holding open Republican-held Nevada. Additionally, Republicans will hold seats across the board and win the vacant seat in seats in the key Presidential campaign states of Arizona, Colorado and Iowa. Popular incumbents Arkansas. With a strong political environment and good campaigns, the Republican wave will in Arkansas, Michigan, New Mexico and Ohio will also be re-elected. extend to victories in Connecticut, Illinois and Massachusetts.

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INDD Booklet.indd 16 6/20/14 1:15 PM PREDICTIONS PREDICTIONS

Defeating Harry Reid’s handpicked candidate, Republicans will defend an open seat in Nevada. Republicans will pick up a term-limited open seat in Nevada, while holding Republican-held open Additionally, Republicans will hold seats across the board and win the vacant seat in Arkansas. With seats in the key presidential campaign states of Arizona, Colorado and Iowa. Popular incumbents a strong political environment and good campaigns, the Republican wave will extend to victories in in Arkansas, Michigan, New Mexico and Ohio will also be re-elected. Connecticut, Illinois and Massachusetts.

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INDD Booklet.indd 17 6/20/14 1:15 PM WHAT THEY ARE SAYING STAFF CONTACTS Matt Walter President [email protected] As Republicans look ahead to Election Day 2014, confidence at the state level is growing. With positive (202) 448-5163 momentum, a favorable and improving environment and a comprehensive strategy to defend our past victories, we have many opportunities to gain ground this November. For more than 12 years, the Republican State Leadership Committee has successfully invested in and won elections Erin Veltman Jesse Adams Jessica Simmons across the nation. Partnering with state leaders, donors and grassroots support, we have helped Executive Director, RLCC Executive Director, RLGA Executive Director, RSSC build a strong bench of current and future leaders for our Party. We are proud that [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Republicans maintain overwhelming majorities across the country and we remain committed (202) 448-5275? (202) 448-5276 (202) 448-8797 to helping grow these numbers in 2014. Erin Ehrich Anne Thomas Will Martinez Executive Roundtable Director Finance Coordinator .gop Registry [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (202) 448-5164 (202) 448-5166 (202) 448-7988 NICK CONFESSORE OF THE NEW YORK "REPUBLICANS TIMES NAMED THE RSLC THE "COUNTRY'S POISED FOR Jill Bader Neri Martinez Justin Richards MOST SUCCESSFUL POLITICAL MAJOR STATE Communications Director Future Majority Project Director Political Director OPERATION IN A GENERATION" LEVEL GAINS IN [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (202) 448-5271 NOVEMBER" (202) 448-7986 (202) 448-5272

"REPUBLICANS EYE STATE LEGISLATURE GAINS IN NOVEMBER" "GOP POISED TO CONTROL MORE STATE LEGISLATURES" "POLL: GENERIC BALLOT FAVORS GOP IN MIDTERMS" "TO SAVE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, LOOK TO THE STATES"

"REPUBLICANS WIN APPROVAL FOR '.GOP' IN A POTENTIAL BOON FOR ONLINE ORGANIZING"

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INDD Booklet.indd 18 6/20/14 1:15 PM WHAT THEY ARE SAYING STAFF CONTACTS Matt Walter President [email protected] As Republicans look ahead to Election Day 2014, confidence at the state level is growing. With positive (202) 448-5163 momentum, a favorable and improving environment and a comprehensive strategy to defend our past victories, we have many opportunities to gain ground this November. For more than 12 years, the Republican State Leadership Committee has successfully invested in and won elections across Erin Veltman Jesse Adams Jessica Simmons the nation. Partnering with state leaders, donors and the grassroots, we have helped build a strong Executive Director, RLCC Executive Director, RLGA Executive Director, RSSC bench of current and future leaders for our Party. We are proud that Republicans maintain [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] overwhelming majorities across the country, and we remain committed to helping grow these (202) 448-5275 (202) 448-5276 (202) 448-8797 numbers in 2014. Erin Ehrich Anne Thomas Will Martinez Executive Roundtable Director Finance Coordinator .gop Registry [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (202) 448-5164 (202) 448-5166 (202) 448-7988

Jill Bader Neri Martinez Justin Richards Communications Director Director, Future Majority Project Political Director [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (202) 448-5271 (202) 448-7986 (202) 448-5272

"REPUBLICANS WIN APPROVAL FOR '.GOP' IN A POTENTIAL BOON FOR ONLINE ORGANIZING"

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INDD Booklet.indd 19 6/20/14 1:15 PM 1201 F Street Northwest, Suite 675, Washington, D.C. 20004 www.rslc.gop (202) 448-5160 Paid for by the Republican State Leadership Committee. © RSLC, June 2014

Contributions or gifts to the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) and its affiliated state PACs are not tax deductible. Contributions may be used for activities of the RSLC and its affiliated state PACs at the RSLC’s discretion. The RSLC does not accept earmarked contributions. Contributions from foreign nationals are not solicited or permitted. Paid for by the Republican State Leadership Committee. www.rslc.gop.

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