Skip to content

‘Moneyball’-Style Political Consultant Helped Brat Defeat Cantor

Political consultant John Pudner was a happy man Tuesday night, and why not? His candidate, Dave Brat, just walloped one of the most powerful Republican incumbents in the nation, despite being outspent by millions.  

Pudner, who runs Concentric Direct, a political shop in Richmond, Va., emailed reporters after The Associated Press called the race for Brat, the novice politician and economics professor who defeated House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.  

“Congratulations to Dave Brat and the conservative grassroots of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District for putting together a stunning victory over Eric Cantor! What a huge victory for the conservative movement!” he wrote.
“We have often taken on causes on behalf of conservatives set to be vastly out-spent, and we have a track record of overcoming incredible odds. Tonight, we are so excited to have played a role for such a stellar candidate who truly represents the grassroots of his district, and I was thrilled to be a part … “
Pudner, according to his bio on Breitbart.com, is a former sportswriter and statistics analyst who has run more than 200 political campaigns while aslo serving as a consultant on sports. He runs a website that ranks basketball players and advises NBA teams on drafting players.

Recent Stories

House Republicans kick Pelosi out of hideaway after McCarthy ouster

House Republican infighting turns raw during McCarthy floor debate

McCarthy announces he won’t run again for speaker

How the vote to boot Speaker McCarthy played out inside the chamber

McCarthy becomes first speaker in history ousted

Laphonza Butler sworn in to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein