House races

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) spent Wednesday morning "debating" a cardboard cutout of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) — a stunt highlighting Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch's refusal to agree to more debates before their May 7 House election.

"My opponent continues to run a stealth campaign, avoiding public appearances and refusing to commit to televised forums for the benefit of 1st district voters," said Sanford, who then took a shot at her donations from major Democrats and labor groups. 

"Since Elizabeth Colbert Busch refuses to articulate her views publicly, we are left to draw inferences for what she stands for on the basis of the groups that have made substantial monetary investments on her behalf."

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) went on the attack Tuesday for the first time in his House campaign against Elizabeth Colbert Busch, accusing his Democratic opponent in a new ad of being a shill for "big labor."

The ad plays video of Colbert Busch saying "The voices of the union are not being heard and I promise to be that voice for you."

The former South Carolina governor's support has fallen since allegations he trespassed at his ex-wife's home. 

The National Republican Congressional Committee is targeting four Democratic recruits with new Web ads in a remarkably early offense when most announced their campaigns within the past two months and one has yet to make her bid official.

A planned fundraising event this week in Washington for South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) has been canceled in the wake of allegations the House candidate trespassed in his ex-wife's home.

The planned event, first reported by The Hill, was initially supported by all members of South Carolina's Republican congressional delegation: Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Reps. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Tom Rice (R-S.C.).

But a source close to the delegation tells The Hill Sanford called off the event off after revelations his ex-wife, Jenny, has claimed in family court that the former governor repeatedly trespassed on her Sullivan Island, S.C. property. 

Sanford's staff told members of the South Carolina delegation that he needed to remain close to Charleston in the run-up to the May 7 special election in the state's 1st congressional district. 

The National Republican Congressional Committee has added 11 House Republicans to its "Patriot Program," the group announced Monday morning.

The program is designed to help the GOP protect its incumbents — and its 17-seat edge in the House — by helping vulnerable members with fundraising and organizational support.

The list includes a handful of freshmen from swing districts: Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), David Joyce (R-Ohio), David Valadao (R-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). 

A veterans' group is adding to the on-air barrage of attacks against Republican Mark Sanford in the South Carolina special House election, this time with an ad that highlights the disappearance that led to the discovery of his affair.

Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.) will not challenge Sen. Al Franken (D) in 2014, choosing instead to defend his House seat, he said on Friday.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) raised more $17.5 million in the first quarter of the year, over $5 million less than its Democratic counterpart.

That unprecedented amount is due in large part to strong support from members, who gave $4.3 million.