Scoop: Senate GOP super PAC doubles down on Michigan

Senate Republicans' top super PAC is pouring an extra $6 million into Michigan to attack Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.

Why it matters: It's part of $12 million in new spending this month by the Senate Leadership Fund to defend Republican leader John Thune's majority.

• It's an unusually early spend for Republican super PACs, which typically wait until September.

Zoom in: SLF is launching the $6 million TV and digital campaign Wednesday to hit El-Sayed and bolster Republican Mike Rogers, SLF officials first told Axios.

• The new buy brings SLF's total commitment in Michigan to $51 million.
• Republicans have been eager to face El-Sayed over his Democratic primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), believing he gives them a better chance to flip the seat.

SLF added $2 million in August spending in Alaska last week to help reelect Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).

• The group is also planning to drop an additional $4 million in Iowa to bolster Rep. Ashley Hinson's Senate bid.

Zoom out: The new $12 million is on top of the $342 million SLF announced in April for key races, bringing its total commitment to $354 million for the cycle.

What they're saying: "Senate Leadership Fund is unleashing firepower across the Senate map earlier than ever before to define the Far-Left Democrats backed by Chuck Schumer," SLF communications director Chris Gustafson told Axios in a statement.