‘Trump is dragging the party down’: GOP scrambles to stop steep midterm losses

Three weeks before the November midterms, Republicans are rationing resources to protect seats they once took for granted, fearing they could lose control of both chambers of Congress. CNN reports that polling has shown voter fury over the Iran war and rising living costs pushing the party toward a House defeat and endangering its Senate majority. Some GOP members now suspect President Donald Trump's low standing makes his campaign appearances a liability; one House Republican seeking re-election said, "Trump is dragging the party down."

The Senate Leadership Fund has paused ad reservations in North Carolina, committed at least $10 million to Kansas, and put $5 million into South Carolina to help Sen. Darline Graham against Democrat Annie Andrews. It has also spent more than $100 million in Texas for Ken Paxton, who faces Democrat James Talarico and has been hurt by leaked audio from a private fundraiser. Top Republicans directing House spending plan to concentrate on winnable races. On Friday, the Cook Political Report shifted 18 House races toward Democrats, including five toss-ups in Iowa, Pennsylvania and Washington. Trump advisers still expect polls to tighten and losses to stay limited.

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