Bolton backs vulnerable Senate Republicans

by Jordain Carney - 01/08/16 3:22 PM ET

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton is throwing his support behind a handful of blue-state Republicans who are at the center of the battle for control of the Senate.

Bolton is endorsing Republican Sens. Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Ron Johnson (Wis.), Mark Kirk (Ill.), John McCain (Ariz.) Rob Portman (Ohio) and Pat Toomey (Pa.), as well as Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.), who is running to replace Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), according to a release Friday from his PAC.

{mosads}The PAC will contribute $5,000 to each of their campaigns.

In addition to the Senate candidates, Bolton is backing Reps. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), Bob Dold (R-Ill.), Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), John Katko (R-N.Y.), Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) and will donate $5,000 to each campaign.

“In 2014 the John Bolton PAC helped elect majorities in both the House and the Senate and it is of the utmost importance that we keep these majorities intact for our next Republican president,” he said in a statement. “These Senators and Representatives have a proven track record of sponsoring and voting for legislation that promotes and protects America’s interests abroad.”

Bolton, considered an influential foreign policy voice among Republicans, has used his PAC to weigh in on national security issues in the congressional and presidential campaigns, as well as back candidates who share his views.

He is also giving $10,000 to the New Hampshire Republican Party for support of a town hall event scheduled to take place later this month.

The former Bush administration official launched an online ad as part of a six-year buy last year in early voting states, urging primary voters to make national security a top issue.