Among Republicans, the level of panic is real, writes Politico's Alex Isenstadt.
Republicans are rushing to shore up congressional seats deep in the heart of Trump country as they come to an alarming realization: In this midterm election, few GOP lawmakers are safe.
GOP leaders are pressing Republican lawmakers in conservative areas to get their sluggish campaigns in order. They’re pleading with major donors to open their wallets for incumbents in seats previously thought to be secure. And they’re polling districts President Donald Trump won comfortably just a year and a half ago, searching for signs of trouble. [...]
"In a year like this, every Republican is vulnerable. If you don't take your race seriously, you'll probably lose," said Robert Blizzard, a veteran Republican pollster who’s working on a number of congressional races.
In recent weeks, the GOP's Congressional Leadership Fund super-PAC has been polling the districts of Freedom Caucus members (the frickin' Freedom Caucus!). They should be the safest of safe fire breathers, but apparently the House GOP is double checking the likes of Virginia Reps. Tom Garrett and Dave Brat and North Carolina Rep. Ted Budd.
The GOP’s next test: an April 24 special election to fill Arizona Rep. Trent Franks’ seat in a district Trump won by 21 points. Democrat Hiral Tipirneni outraised her Republican opponent Debbie Lesko in the closing stretch and a new poll has them neck and neck, though most polls have given Lesko a comfortable lead. Still, Republicans are applying a full court press there.
In essence, nothing is necessarily safe anymore.
Wanna help drive a big blue wave this November? Please give $3 to return control of the House to the sane and responsible leadership of Democrats.