LANSING, MI -- A Republican opposition research organization is launching a new Michigan team to push back against Democratic activism in the state.

America Rising Squared, a non-profit division of GOP political action committee founded in 2013, is creating a political communication organization in Michigan, joining similar efforts in Illinois, Missouri and Colorado. Michigan Rising Action will be led by Tori Sachs, John James 2018 U.S. Senate campaign manager and external affairs director for Gov. Rick Snyder, who said said the effort will focus on fact-checking Democratic politicians instead of supporting specific 2020 candidates.

Michigans future is in danger from liberal and socialist policies peddled by state and federal officials and their special interest allies, Sachs said.

Sachs said Michigan was targeted by America Rising due to its status as a battleground state in 2020.

President Donald Trump earned his first term by being the first Republican to win Michigan since 1998, but Democrats bounced back in the 2018 midterm elections by sweeping statewide offices and flipping two Republican House districts. Democratic organizations launched their own Michigan communications teams to boost turnout among the partys base in 2020.

Michigan is expected to have a prominent role in the presidential election, and voters will also decide on a high-profile U.S. Senate race, the reelection bids of two freshman House Democrats in competitive districts, and state-level races that will determine the makeup of the Michigan Legislature.

The state of Michigan has emerged as a key target for liberal activism and Michigan Rising Action will focus on thoroughly educating Michiganders concerning issues of public importance, Sachs said. Our focus is holding liberal groups and their special interest networks accountable, fact-checking left-wing politicians whose policies would push the state in the wrong direction, and ensuring citizens have the most accurate, up-to-date information to drive a balanced policy conversation.

Michigan Rising Action launched social media accounts and its website Tuesday.

Sachs said the organization hired a team of staff of trackers," who will keep tabs on the groups targets. Sachs said there are plans to expand next year but did not disclose America Risings investment in the Michigan operation.

America Rising PAC bills itself as a new generation of Republican research and rapid response, founded for the sole purpose of exposing negative news about Democrats.

The group shared a story casting U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, in a bad light last month, which showed Slotkin scolding her staff after meeting with constituents. It also slammed Slotkin for not condemning U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaibs stance on Israel.

The Michigan organization is organized as a nonprofit 501(c)4, which means it but doesnt have to disclose its donors, according to the IRS. The organization can engage in political lobbying and political campaign activities.

The organization is the Republican response to American Bridge, a Democratic opposition research organization founded in 2012 to dig up negative news about GOP candidates. American Bridge kicked off a media campaign in Michigan this summer to flip Trumps supporters in rural parts of the state.

Michigan Rising Action plans to advance conservative principles like limited government, lowering taxes and strong national security.

Originally posted here:

Republican PAC launches Michigan team to oppose 'liberal activism' - MLive.com