National Journal: "American Bridge signifies just how far-reaching outside groups have become."

This year, Democrats are ramping up a broader effort that includes teams assigned to House races, Senate contests, and opposition research on Republicans. The Priorities USA groups will be detailed to the presidential election.

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Democrats appear eager not just to match the conservative outside-group infrastructure but to exceed it. Another part of the plan: American Bridge 21st Century, which is modeled after the watchdog group Media Matters, will serve as a sort of “war room” of opposition research, feeding its three sister organizations material that they can use in independent expenditures, while pressing traditional media outlets for coverage.

“We’re going to build American Bridge into an enduring political research and communications powerhouse,” said Rodell Mollineau, the group’s president.

American Bridge signifies just how far-reaching outside groups have become, involved in nearly every effort that once was the sole province of parties and campaigns. How far the political arms race escalates remains to be seen. American Crossroads President Steven Law said that his group, which was also involved in voter-turnout efforts last year, will up the ante by financing an opposition-research team for the 2012 cycle.