Four months into the 2018 campaign for U.S. Senate, Senate Republicans have almost no recruitment successes and plenty of failures. Politico reports that potential candidates “are afraid of walking into a buzz saw” as Donald Trump’s popularity sinks to historic lows.
“The Senate GOP is failing to recruit quality candidates — or almost any candidates — and Republicans only have themselves to blame,” said American Bridge spokesperson Joshua Karp. “From stripping 26 million Americans of health care to gutting environmental protections, the GOP agenda would hurt working families, especially those who Trump and Republicans claim they want to help. Small wonder Republican’s best candidates are taking a dive, rather than face the voters in 2018.”
Take a look at the headlines Senate Republicans are earning as they fail to find candidates willing hitch their wagon to Washington Republicans in 2018…
Politico: Republicans sound alarm on Trump’s troubles ahead of 2018
RCP: Slow Pace of 2018 Senate Bids a Growing GOP Concern
The Hill: Picking 2018 candidates pits McConnell vs. GOP groups
Washington Post: Do Senate Republicans have a Trump recruiting problem?
New York Times: Suburban G.O.P. Voters Sour on Party, Raising Republican Fears for 2018
Politico: Senate Republicans’ early recruiting problem
National Journal: “Trump’s tumultuous start could cause some Republicans to proceed more slowly in what is still a highly uncertain 2018 environment. “
Politico: Dems show surprising strength at start of brutal 2018 midterm
Meanwhile, the headlines in the states look even worse for Senate Republicans…
Pennsylvania: Spokesman: Meehan won’t challenge Casey for Senate in 2018
Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s Sean Duffy Will Forgo Senate Bid
Michigan: Schuette Won’t Run for Senate
Connecticut: Source: GOP trying to draft ex-Fox host Gretchen Carlson for Senate
Missouri: Top Republicans push Hawley to seek U.S. Senate over Wagner
North Dakota: Nervous about GOP congressman, Republicans woo new North Dakota Senate candidate
…and behind the scenes, Trump World is fighting with the NRSC for control over GOP recruitment:
Steve Bannon: “The days of [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell picking Republican nominees in Senate races are over.” — BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed: Trump World — Including Steve Bannon — Is Already Looking At The 2018 Midterms
Washington Examiner: “Republicans considering a 2018 Senate bid are being advised to meet with President-elect Trump to ensure they have his seal of approval.”
Published: Apr 24, 2017