Will net neutrality propel a blue wave?

While Democratic candidates and left-leaning groups are hoping the push to restore net neutrality nationwide will help drive their supporters to the polls come November, Republican leaders say they are skeptical the issue will play a decisive role in the midterm elections. While studies commissioned by pro-net neutrality groups like Mozilla and the Internet Freedom Business Alliance suggest voters are watching the issue, top GOP officials aren’t convinced. 

“I think if you go survey on the issues that voters care about, it’s number 38 out of 37,” House Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) told reporters. “Some voters care about it, yeah, but they didn’t see the end-of-the-world dire predictions come true that the other side said would. What they really want us to do is focus on building out broadband, getting more connectivity, clearing the way for 5G, all those things that will actually connect America.” Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-SD) similarly told reporters he doesn’t “think that’s going to have the resonance” Democrats sought. “I don’t see any campaign talking about it,” he said, adding that it just doesn’t register with “the average person.”

But that hasn’t stopped some of its proponents from throwing cash at the issue. According to a review of political ads on Facebook’s archives, a number of top left-leaning organizations and candidates in recent months have purchased social media advertising calling on supporters to turn out for net neutrality. Most prominent among these are the ACLU and its chapters, which have launched dozens of “vote for net neutrality” ads, and Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-TX), who launched ads in May blasting his opponent in the Senate race, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), over his opposition to net neutrality. Other progressives like Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) have also campaigned on their net neutrality support on Facebook, while the Fight for the Future consumer group is leading its own “vote for net neutrality” campaign.