Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton Says He Won't Back Schumer, but Schumer's Allies Are Spending Millions for Him, Marshall Says

Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton has said repeatedly he would not support Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic leader. Fox News reports that national Democrats are still pouring millions into the state to help him.

The argument. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., asked how Hamilton could take "$30 to $40 million from Chuck Schumer and not be beholden to him in some way." Marshall told Fox News Digital that if Hamilton wins, "Chuck Schumer would be the leader of the Senate." His line to the challenger: "If he's going to denounce Chuck Schumer, let's denounce him with his money as well."

The money. Fox says a sizable share comes from Senate Majority PAC, a super PAC closely tied to Schumer, which set aside $5 million for Kansas ads earlier this month. Per AdImpact, national Democrats and affiliated groups, plus Hamilton's own campaign, are set to spend $38 million. Republicans, including Marshall's campaign, are set to spend $32 million. Marshall said the party expects to be "outspent five to one." FEC filings show Hamilton raising nearly $14 million to Marshall's almost $6 million.

The rules. Fox points out that candidates cannot directly take money from independent groups such as Senate Majority PAC under federal election law.

The response. Hamilton spokesperson Tyson Brody said Hamilton believes it is "time for fresh leadership in Washington" and called Marshall "totally dependent on Washington money." At their final debate this week, Hamilton said Marshall had mentioned Schumer "maybe 20 times so far" and repeated that he would not back Schumer as majority leader.

Note for readers: the $30 to $40 million figure is Marshall's. AdImpact's number for Democrats is lower, and Marshall's "five to one" does not match it. We covered the earlier Marshall and Hamilton debate and the church controversy.