House GOP reportedly in ‘triage mode’ as midterm bloodbath fears spiral

Republican leaders in the House are bracing for losses this November and have begun redirecting resources, CNN reports, as President Donald Trump's poor standing with voters weighs on the party. An Associated Press poll puts his disapproval at 69 percent. Instead of trying to expand their power, some GOP strategists are now working to limit the damage and keep any Democratic majority as small as possible. Several sources told CNN they would be satisfied holding Democrats to a margin of 10 seats or fewer, according to The Independent.

Money is reportedly being pulled from contests seen as long shots, including challenges to Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa and Tom Kean of New Jersey, plus an open Nebraska seat. Semafor reported that the Senate Leadership Fund is canceling a $30 million advertising effort for Michael Whatley in North Carolina and sending the funds to Senator Roger Marshall's Kansas race. Newly drawn districts in Texas and Florida are also getting heavy investment, and an unnamed GOP aide called redistricting a potential lifesaver.

Speaker Mike Johnson says he remains "absolutely still convinced" Republicans will keep the House. Trump, at an Oklahoma rally, said he was worried about Michigan, Texas and roughly 35 to 40 races overall.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →