GOP silent amid accusations it's using shady group to meddle in Dem primary

A mysterious super PAC with a suspicious name has swooped into a competitive Michigan primary battle — and Democrats have started to take notice.

Insiders have flagged that "Michigan Sunrise PAC," a group that popped up out of nowhere just days ago, has already dropped nearly $600,000 boosting progressive candidate William Lawrence in the crowded scramble to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Barrett this fall and take control of the 7th Congressional District, The Down Ballot reported on Monday.

Operatives on both sides suspect Republicans secretly want Lawrence, who has been viewed as the weakest general-election candidate among Democrats, to win the nomination in the swing district. Lawrence is a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, a climate advocacy organization.

The PAC's ads take aim at rival Matt Maasdam over old Florida voter registration records while touting Lawrence's star power, including a nod from Bernie Sanders. Maasdam is a former Navy SEAL. Third contender Bridget Brink gets no mention at all.

"The more moderate Brink and Maasdam have spent a good deal of time attacking one another on the airwaves, potentially leaving an opening for Lawrence to win the nomination," according to The Down Ballot. "It’s that opening that Republicans may now be looking to exploit."

The new group banks through a tiny South Dakota financial institution also used by Republican officials — a detail that has raised eyebrows among political watchdogs.

"The name of the PAC, of course, is very similar to that of the organization Lawrence helped create, but the two appear unconnected," The Down Ballot reported. "Rather, the Sunrise Movement has its own PAC, called Sunrise PAC. While the Sunrise Movement has endorsed Lawrence, its PAC has not reported spending any money on this race."

The top House GOP super PAC stayed quiet when Axios’ Andrew Solender asked for comment.

If confirmed, this would be the 18th time this election cycle that Republicans have allegedly meddled in a Democratic primary, the Down Ballot reported.