Republicans sending more support to Brian Mast in re-election bid

There are more signs this week Florida's 18th congressional district race between Brian Mast and Lauren Baer is getting more competitive, just days before the Nov. 6 election. 

Two nonpartisan political rating groups — Cook Political Report and University of Virginia-based Sabato's Crystal Ball — still predict Mast will be re-elected, but changed their ratings from "likely Republican" to "lean Republican."

Cook initially rated the race "lean Republican," but changed to "likely" in September.

Republicans are pumping even more money into Mast, including more than $31,000 from Protect the House, a fundraising committee launched by Vice President Mike Pence and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy earlier this year. The group has now given Mast more than $321,000.

More: National groups pumping more money into House District 18 

The National Republican Congressional Committee also introduced a new ad Tuesday, tying Baer to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

The GOP's latest efforts come on the heels of Baer's strong fundraising and outside support and Democratic groups increasing their advertising in the district.

The House Majority PAC has spent $483,000 on television and digital advertising, while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has spent $340,000 on anti-Mast ads.

Mast's campaign spokesman said increased ads from both parties doesn't signal the incumbent is vulnerable. 

"Nothing in the race has changed over the last several weeks," Brad Stewart told TCPalm. "Congressman Mast is in strong position for re-election."  

Still, Mast welcomes help from outside groups, he told the New York Times Saturday, which quoted him as saying: “I don’t like being hit over the head by outside groups.” 

A funding solicitation emailed to potential donors Tuesday cited the increased spending by Democrats, saying Mast is "being hammered on the airwaves right now." 

Outside advertising

Dozens of outside groups have jumped into the race since the Aug. 28 primary. 

Here are the biggest spenders and why they've grown interested in the race: 

In support of Mast

With Honor Fund: More than $900,000 on pro-Mast and anti-Baer television and digital ads. The group supports veterans' running for office. 

More: Veterans' group pulls ad attacking Lauren Baer 

Valor Fund: $164,503 on mailers and digital advertising. The biggest donors to the PAC, created solely to support Mast, are: Lawrence DeGeorge, son of a Jupiter businessman and philanthropist of the same name, and Laura Perlmutter, a Trump inauguration committee member and wife of Marvel Entertainment Chairman Ike Perlmutter. 

Clearpath Action, Inc: $100,000 on digital advertisements supporting Mast. The PAC supports "conservative clean energy solutions."

In support of Baer

Emily's List/Women Vote Project: $158,726 on anti-Mast and pro-Baer mailers. The group, which has supported Baer since she won the primary, focuses on supporting pro-choice female candidates. 

Black Economic Alliance PAC: About $100,000 on radio advertisements supporting Baer. The PAC was created by black executives who support candidates "committed to economic progress and prosperity in the black community," its website says.

Environment America Action Fund: $98,000 on mailers and digital advertising opposing Mast. The environmental group often supports Democrats running in environmentally sensitive areas.

Equality PAC: $21,430 on digital advertising supporting Baer. The group is the political arm of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.

District 18

The district includes all of Martin and St. Lucie and northern Palm Beach County.

The district has more registered Republicans than Democrats. In 2016, the majority voted for Trump and Mast beat Democrat Randy Perkins by 10 points.

But the swing district has voted for Democrats in the recent past.

Former Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter, was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2014.

Also in 2014, the district also supported Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist over Republican Rick Scott, who ultimately won the state.