Sen. DeMint: ‘Say no to RINOs in 2011’

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) is asking supporters of his Senate Conservatives Fund to help him build a war chest ahead of the 2012 elections, when Republicans are hopeful they can take back the majority in the Senate.  

In an e-mail sent Tuesday with the subject line “Say No to RINOs in 2011,” DeMint pledged that the Senate Conservatives Fund will play a key role in the upcoming legislative battles in the Senate with an eye towards 2012. RINO stands for politicians who are seen by some as “Republican in name only” and lack certain conservative credentials.

In the fundraising appeal, DeMint also reminded supporters that five of his political action committee’s endorsed candidates won this past November. He highlighted victories by Sens.-elect Pat Toomey (Pa.), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Rand Paul (Ky.), Mike Lee (Utah) and Ron Johnson (Wis.). 

“I believe we can build on these victories over the two years and elect several more conservative standouts to the Senate in 2012,” DeMint wrote. 

Republican Senate hopefuls are already courting DeMint, whose PAC funneled millions to GOP candidates during the 2010 cycle and offered critical endorsements in a number of Republican primaries.