NRCC shuffles resources away from competitive Maine district

The National Republican Congressional Committee is pulling resources from a once-competitive House district in Maine to spend the money on more promising opportunities elsewhere, a committee aide confirmed to The Hill.

{mosads}The committee is cutting the remainder of its $1.6 million reservation in Maine’s 2nd District, where former state Treasurer Bruce Poliquin (R) is facing state Sen. Emily Cain (D).

It spent $965,000 there and is still delivering on a planned coordinated advertising buy with Polquin. But the NRCC is shifting the rest of the buy to target four other pickup opportunities: the seats of Reps. William Enyart (D-Ill.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.).

Polling has shown mixed outcomes in Maine’s 2nd District, but Cain is favored to pull out a win in the blue-leaning district.

Still, NRCC spokeswoman Andrea Bozek told Roll Call, which first reported news of the shuffle, that Republicans are still bullish on the race.

“We have put Democrats on defense in Maine, and we are increasing our buys in several offensive seats,” Bozek said.

And Poliquin, who’s worked in investment banking, can self-fund his campaign if needed.

“Bruce is [sic] strong independent leadership and message of economic growth is resonating Maine voters, and with 15 days until the election,  Bruce has the necessary resources to get across the finish line,” Bozek said.

The NRCC’s move comes as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has also begun to shift its resources heading into the final stretch, largely to shore up vulnerable incumbents.