Leo’s Influence in Missouri’s Attorney General Race
Introduction:
Conservative megadonor Leonard Leo is playing a significant role in the primary race for Missouri’s attorney general. His chosen candidate, Will Scharf, is a personal attorney to former President Donald Trump and represented him in a recent Supreme Court case. This primary race is unique because the Republican incumbent, Andrew Bailey, is also a rising star among archconservatives. Despite Bailey’s conservative agenda and endorsements from prominent conservative figures, Leo is funding a primary challenge against him.
Leo’s Financial Support for Scharf:
Leo and his allies have provided substantial financial support to Will Scharf’s campaign. The Concord Fund, one of Leo’s dark-money organizations, has contributed $3.5 million to two pro-Scharf political action committees (PACs). Additionally, Republican megadonor Paul Singer, who has close ties to Leo, has donated $1.5 million to support Scharf through Club for Growth Action. These contributions have given Scharf a significant financial advantage in the race.
Local Support for Bailey:
To counterbalance the influx of national money supporting Scharf, the main committee backing Bailey, Liberty and Justice PAC, has relied on wealthy Missourians for funding. August A. Busch III, heir to the Anheuser-Busch beer fortune, has contributed $200,000, while retired couple Mike and Carolyn Rayner, part of the Cargill family, have donated over $1 million. Other notable contributors include Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield and the law firm Ketchmark & McCreight. However, Bailey’s local highrollers have only been able to raise around $750,000 compared to the millions supporting Scharf.
Bailey’s Struggle with Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA):
Bailey has been unsuccessful in securing support from the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), a collective of conservative attorneys general from 27 other states. Despite leading various coalition efforts and writing letters on behalf of RAGA, Bailey has not received their endorsement. RAGA’s lack of support for an incumbent has raised concerns, with Missouri Governor Mike Parsons expressing his disappointment in a letter to RAGA. The reasons behind RAGA’s decision and its potential connection to Leo’s support for Scharf remain unclear.
Scharf’s Ties to Leo and the Concord Fund:
Will Scharf has a longstanding relationship with Leonard Leo and the Concord Fund, previously known as the Judicial Crisis Network. Scharf’s campaign website highlights his instrumental role in building a conservative Supreme Court by assisting in the confirmation battles of Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. During Kavanaugh’s confirmation process, Scharf worked as a consultant for the Judicial Crisis Network. He later joined CRC Advisors, where Leo was also involved. Scharf’s close ties to Leo and his firm have garnered support from Leo and other CRC Advisors employees.
Conclusion:
In the primary race for Missouri’s attorney general, Leonard Leo’s financial support has given Will Scharf a significant advantage over the incumbent, Andrew Bailey. Despite Bailey’s conservative agenda and endorsements, Leo’s backing has attracted national right-wing donors to support Scharf’s campaign. Bailey has relied on wealthy Missourians for funding but has struggled to secure support from the Republican Attorneys General Association. Scharf’s longstanding relationship with Leo and his involvement with CRC Advisors have solidified Leo’s support for his campaign.
