Concerned establishment Republicans allege that the House Freedom Caucus and the conservative outside group Club for Growth have an alliance that borders on coordination, Politico reports.
To wit: Club for Growth has endorsed every candidate being backed by the Freedom Caucus despite policy differences with some that seemingly are at odds with the group, according to Politico.
Not so, a Club spokesman told Politico while admitting he would like to see Freedom's ranks grow.
"As we've watched the Freedom Caucus do its thing, we've been impressed with (Jim) Jordan's leadership and the issues they've stood on," Doug Sachtleben told Politico. "It's not so much that we're tied at the hip with the Freedom Caucus, but we love what they're doing."
However, one outgoing lawmaker told Politico the Club has changed its approach.
"I had to go through a very thorough interview … to make sure I agreed with their issues," retiring Rep. Lynn Westmoreland told Politico. "Now all a candidate has to do is be endorsed by the House Freedom Caucus Chairman Jim Jordan."
Politico reported Jordan is eager to expand the ranks — currently at 40 members — after losing some key members, including Tim Huelskamp, who lost his primary in Kansas.
But with anywhere from 10 to 20 establishment Republicans expected to lose in November, the Caucus can expect to comprise a bigger share of the House, according to Politico.