Here is an alternative view on the near panic on the left that has been brought on by the news that the Koch brother's machine is geared up to spend close to a billion in the 2016 election cycle. I would like to put forward the alternative view that, in the end in 2016; this might not be as damaging to the dems as it appears at first glance. Much depends on who is the Koch's "chosen one" for the POTUS primary.
There is still a very rich and powerful Rethug party establishment and, while they welcome the Koch's money under most circumstances, regardless of the feelings in the Rethug base, they are not too hot on the "scorched earth" zealotry and abhorrence to compromise as exemplified by the teahadists both in and out of Congress. Look below the orange sherbets for the rest.
Occasional government shutdowns, a sluggish economy and a demoralized public are acceptable prices to pay for the Rethug establishment to hold control. However, screwing around with the full faith and credit of the US Government and threatening a global economic crisis buy welcoming a default on the US debt is a "bridge too far."
True, the Kochs have billions, but theirs is small change when compared to cumulative wealth of those backing the Rethug establishment; Wall street, The US Chamber of Commerce, the banking community and the multination corporations. These are folks who, while certainly not the friends of those of us on the left, fear the irrational zealotry of those on the far, far right. That is why the John Brich Society, founded by the Koch's father, was for years a name only whispered in Rethug circles and still is considered outside the Rethug party establishment.
When they select a POTUS candidate, the Kochs will require complete and unwavering allegiance to them and only them. In fact, word is out on some blogs that they have already chosen their man and he is Wisconsin Governor Snotty Walker. A man who has already shown his willingness to kiss the asses of the brothers while gleefully implementing their far right agenda
Of course there are others who subscribe to, and maybe would also sell themselves for, the Koch's agenda such as Ted Cruz, Rick Perry, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Sarah Palin etc. On the other hand, the Rethug primary clown car will also include those whose allegiance is to the Retug establishment powers such as RMoney, Bush III and Christie, among others.
The point is, unless the Kochs and the Rethug establishment agree on backing the same horse in the 2016 POTUS Rethug primary race, which is unlikely, there will be a very expensive, highly- visible, drawn-out battle royal. A conflict that will leave the eventual winner bruised, battered and with every blemish, wart and scar spread through the media coast to coast. This battle will also piss away millions of both the Koch's and establishment dollars cutting into funding available for the general election.
The only other way around such an expensive and protracted Rethug POTUS primary season is for the establishment to put in a "fix" that guarantees their candidate a quick and clean victory. However, even if possible, imagine the alienation of the Kochs, Teahaists and RWNJ's in the aftermath.
A billion dollars might be enough to buy a US Presidential election under the right national political circumstances. 2016 does not appear to be the right POTUS political cycle in which it will work for the Kochs.