Politico reports:
The Young Guns Network, a group affiliated with two former aides to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, paid more than $100,000 in mail costs to help embattled Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar, federal filings show.
The expenditure showed up in a 24-hour notice, and show the payout was $104,628 for “mailers,” paid to a group called Creative Direct LLC.
A senior adviser to YG Network, Brad Dayspring, didn’t immediately respond to an email.
But the establishment has been rallying to Lugar’s side as he runs in a tight primary race against state treasurer Richard Mourdock.
UPDATE: Dayspring emails that the Lugar move was part of a new initiative the group announced a few days ago.
“This week, the YG Network launched our Energy and Conservation Policy Network to promote center right solutions for a smart long-term energy strategy coupled with strong environmental stewardship. With the Indiana primary approaching, it’s a natural first playing field for the E&C effort, so the YG Network will be active in several races including this and Messer for Congress the 6th district.”
This money is coming from the group’s 501c4, and not its super PAC.
A GOP operative who’s backing Mourdock emailed to say, “Weird that a group called the ‘Young Guns’ has endorsed Lugar — when he’s not only been in Washington for 36 years but his opponent is endorsed by the NRA.”