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.