Billionaire Elon Musk backs Nate Morris with $10M PAC donation
WASHINGTON — Lexington businessman Nate Morris, one of several Republicans running to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is getting a big boost from billionaire Elon Musk.
What You Need To Know
Lexington businessman Nate Morris, one of several Republicans running to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is getting a big boost from billionaire Elon Musk
Morris’ campaign said Musk has donated $10 million to Morris’ Super PAC
Axios first reported the donation, saying Musk reportedly liked Morris’ “anti-establishment,” “anti-McConnell” message
President Donald Trump has not endorsed a candidate in the race
Morris’ campaign said Musk has donated $10 million to Morris’ Super PAC.
Axios first reported the donation, saying Musk reportedly liked Morris’ “anti-establishment,” “anti-McConnell” message.
“The money Elon Musk gave to Morris might not just help by being spent, but might help by attracting other contributions later,” said political analyst Stephen Voss. “The donation from Musk may be more important to Morris for the publicity it generates, rather than the actual payoff of the cash itself.”
Morris said in a social media post Monday:
“The weak RINO Political Establishment was in meltdown mode over the late @charliekirk11 endorsing me at my campaign launch over the Summer. They’re in meltdown mode today after @elonmusk supported us. And they’re REALLY going to be melting down when we win this race on May 19th.”
The campaign for another Republican candidate, Rep. Andy Barr, R-Lexington, said in a statement, “Nate Morris spending money made this a two man race between Andy Barr and Daniel Cameron. Nate Morris spending more money will cement it that way.”
The campaign of former Kentucky Attorney General, Republican Daniel Cameron, said in a statement, “This race has already taken shape, and it shows Daniel Cameron is a dominant force in Kentucky. The other two guys are running a distant second and third despite how much they bluster on social media.”
President Donald Trump has not endorsed a candidate.
Although Musk isn’t as popular as the president, he still has a big following among Republicans, said Voss.
“For Morris to get Elon Musk’s implicit endorsement, getting him to open his checkbook, can only help Morris build the case that he’s a viable candidate,” said Voss.
The primary election is still four months away and some Senate Democrats have criticized the donation.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said in an online post:
“Our democracy is rigged for the billionaire class.”
And Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., commented online, “Billionaires can’t be allowed to buy elections.”
