But in a world of underfunded Republican campaigns, and relatively low levels of “dark money” spending compared to Democrats, new spending on ballot harvesting would entail an opportunity cost of even less campaign spending and GOP aligned 501(c)(4) dark money advocacy.

Speaking to opponents of ballot harvesting, prominent conservative activist Ned Ryun has stated, “In all their objections [to ballot harvesting], none have described just how not engaging in harvesting will lead to victory. Not. One.”

But there is a way in which attempting to match Democrats at their ballot harvesting game would actually lead to more Republican losses, and that is if new GOP spending on ballot harvesting crowds out already low levels of campaign spending and the relative trickle of Republican aligned 501(c)(4) spending compared to Democrats.

[It’s an argument worth having, but I’m not sure I agree. First off, there’s a good chance that the GOP will have a better ground game in the next election than Democrats, or at least a more centrally organized one. Fundraising isn’t an issue either, depending on the candidate, so maybe it makes sense to focus on candidates with success at that task for the nomination. The opportunity cost in eschewing ballot harvesting where legal appears to be more significant, AND it is directly tied to actual voter turnout, unlike rallies, national ads, and merchandising. You can’t blame 2020 on ballot harvesting and then argue that Republicans should do nothing to compete with Democrats in that effort. — Ed]