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Democratic McClintock Opponent Drops Six Figures on Ad

Challenger Jessica Morse hits incumbent for not living in the district

“It’s easy to vote against the interests of your district when the people aren’t your neighbors,” Democrat Jessica Morse says of incumbent GOP Rep. Tom McClintock. (Jessica Morse for Congress via Facebook)
“It’s easy to vote against the interests of your district when the people aren’t your neighbors,” Democrat Jessica Morse says of incumbent GOP Rep. Tom McClintock. (Jessica Morse for Congress via Facebook)

A Democratic opponent of California Rep. Tom McClintock dropped six figures for an advertisement criticizing him for not living in California’s 4th district.

Jessica Morse’s ad hits McClintock for abandoning the interests of the district by voting against money to prevent wildfires and help homeowners rebuild afterward.

“It’s easy to vote against the interests of your district when the people aren’t your neighbors,” she says.

Morse’s ad also highlights her family’s ties to the district, saying her family has been there for five generations.

“I want to help protect and defend our incredible wilderness, our water, and the families who live and work here,” she says in the ad.

The total cost of the ad buy is $200,000, and the spot will be played on both cable and broadcast television.

Morse is a former State and Defense department official who was endorsed by the state Democratic Party at its convention in February.

In the last quarter of 2017, Morse and fellow Democrat Regina Bateson both outraised McClintock.

In the first quarter of 2018, Morse again outpaced McClintock, with Morse having $357,337.30 in total receipts compared to McClintock’s $326,575.45.

But Morse’s campaign said her campaign has raised more than $150,000 since the end of the first quarter.

McClintock is serving his fifth term and won his last race with 62.7 percent of the vote, outpacing President Donald Trump by 8 points.

In November, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added McClintock’s race to its target list.

California’s jungle primary is June 5, and the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party.

Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race for California’s 4th District as Likely Republican.

Correction 11:32 a.m.| A previous version misstated McClintock outaised Morse.

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