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COLORADO SPRINGS – Senior officials of the network of donors affiliated with the Billionaire industrialist Charles Koch this weekend He sought to distance the Republican Party network and President Trump, citing pricing and immigration policies and a "separatist" rhetoric from Washington.
At a rally of hundreds of donors to the Broadmoor Beach Resort, the authorities reiterated their intention to spend up to $ 400 million for political issues and political campaigns during the cycle of 2018. Earlier this year, they announced heavy spending to help Republicans hold the Senate. But in a warning to Trump and the GOP, network co-chair Brian Hooks lamented "the huge lack of leadership" in Washington Trump and the "deterioration of the fundamental institutions of society."
He called the White House and Trump He added that "the dissensions of this White House cause long-term damage."
[How the Koch network learned to thrive in the Trump era]
In remarks to reporters Sunday, Charles Koch – now only at the helm after The retirement of his sick sibling David earlier this year – stopped personally blaming Trump for political divisions.
"We had the division well before Trump became president and we will have it long after he's no longer president," he said. "I am hating sin, not the sinner."
Asked whether the Democrats should regain control of the House, he said, "I do not care about the initials in front of or after someone's name … I would like there to be many more politicians who would embrace and have the courage to run on a platform like this. "
In reality, the network should be a powerful force for the political right during the mid-term elections, particularly in states where Senate Democrats are the most vulnerable. He also strongly supports the confirmation of Federal Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh in the Supreme Court. Some of the biggest network donors and the most experienced activists are Trump's most ardent supporters.
But some of Trump's most controversial actions break with the priorities of the libertarian network, which opposes Trump's rights over foreign property. immigration, including the zero tolerance policy now suspended which has seen hundreds of migrant families separated at the border.
And criticism, coming a few months before a mid-term election where congressional control remains in the balance the enormous influence that Koch's network has had over the years to help Republicans win and to retain power.
At the two-day rally, network leaders highlighted their recent advertising campaigns thanking Senator Heidi Heitkamp (DN.D.) for co-sponsoring the legislation that overturned Dodd-Frank's rules, and attacking Representative Lou Barletta (R-Pa.) – Trump-backed GOP candidate for the Senate against incumbents Democratic Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. – for a vote to increase federal spending.
"I know it's uncomfortable – it was also uncomfortable for me," said Emily Seidel, executive director of the network's political arm, Americans for Prosperity, in her speech. donor information. "The fact that we are ready to do this during an election year shows everyone that we are really serious."
"This network will no longer follow anyone and will not be taken for granted," Seidel said.
The network holds education sessions for its activists across the country to extol the value of free-trade and pro-immigrant laws, and to counter Trump's approaches to these two issues . They are undertaking what officials have described as "a multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment" to promote the benefits of free trade.
In interviews before this weekend's meeting, several donors said they were happy to see the network publicly, announcing it as the clbadic liberal views of Charles Koch that drew a lot of attention. Between them to his network.
But some have expressed concern about the reality of a House run by the Democrats
"Many libertarians are big defenders of divided government.The divided government could end up with some resolutions for some of these issues where we are more aligned with the other side, like allowing DACA children to have certainty, or trade, "said Frayda Levin, a Koch donor from New Jersey. "At the same time, personally, I do not know that I would be happy to see Nancy Pelosi as a speaker."
Tom Shepherd, an Ohio businessman and donor to Koch, said, "I think Republicans and Democrats responsible for decisions and votes that violate our principles are extremely helpful. "
Asked if he would stay by the network if he started to endorse Democrats or if his activities cost the majority of House GOPs, Shepherd said," Absolutely. "
The network said their work on criminal justice and veterans issues served as a model for future policy decisions, citing their willingness to work with Democrats and new allies on their priorities. has been meeting twice a year since 2003, when Koch convened a small group of like – minded business leaders to oppose the increase in federal spending and tariffs. steel under the admin istration George W. Bush
includes more than 700 donors who each contribute at least $ 100,000 annually to Koch-related groups. More than 500 of them are gathered for the three day retreat here at the Broadmoor Beach Resort, which surrounds an artificial lake and overlooks an unobstructed view of the Rocky Mountains.
Donors also discussed the state of the network to work on a range of priorities for the constellation of groups aligned on Koch, including freedom of expression on university campuses, support anti-corruption programs -poverty in communities, conduct new research with the aim of reducing recidivism rates, etc. and other media outlets were invited to cover parts of the weekend meeting on condition that they do not name the donors without their permission.
Officials said that this weekend's meeting was the most important meeting at the time. John Cornyn (Tex Matt Bevin and Nevada Attorney General, Adam Paul Laxalt
) is the first meeting of its kind after the retirement of David Koch in June – the other half of "Koch brothers" become famous – from business and politics
In the context of the Rocky Mountains, Charles Koch tells donors to sip badtails and wine at the lakeside reception Saturday that he is here to stay
"We are just beginning, because we have more possibilities in front of us than I would have ever imagined," he tells them. "I badure you that I do not tire my knees. "
James Hohmann contributed to this report
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