Vice President Mike Pence's political action committee is quietly supporting several Republicans in key 2018 gubernatorial and congressional races.
Great America Committee PAC distributed more than $40,000 to GOP gubernatorial candidates, including incumbents, in the second half of 2017, Politico reported.
The organization is backing GOP lawmakers in close races, including some running in contested primaries, according to the PAC's most recent filing with the Federal Election Commission. Gov. Scott Walker (Wis.), Rep. Diane Black (Tenn.), and Rep. Ron DeSantis (Fl.) all received donations, along with four Trump-friendly governors who are facing re-election: Greg Abbott (Texas), Henry McMaster (S.C.), Pete Ricketts (Neb.), and Chris Sununu (N.H.).
In addition to the donations to gubernatorial candidates, the PAC donated $5,400 to each of 34 lawmakers, including three senators, 30 House representatives, and one House candidate.
This is the PAC's second round of donations, having previously contributed more than $200,000 to GOP candidates across the nation in November 2017. Recipients included Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), Sen. Tom Cotton (Ark.), and Rep. Chris Collins (N.Y.). The donations in the first round ranged from $1,000 to $10,000.
The contributions appear to be an effort on the part of the PAC to support candidates who have been supportive of President Donald Trump's agenda. Two Republican governors, Michigan's Lt. Gov Brian Calley and Illinois' Bruce Rauner, did not receive any money. Calley had rescinded his endorsement of Trump in October 2016, while Rauner has consistently criticized and opposed the president.