As GOP nominee Donald Trump’s poll numbers continue to plummet–especially in swing states–more Republican Senators seeking reelection are now on the hot seat, and it appears the Senate will almost certainly return to Democratic control.
Some good news has been rolling in for the GOP: Marco Rubio’s numbers are improving in Florida, and Ohio Senator Rob Portman has been fortunate that his opponent, Ted Strickland, has made one unforced error after another. But elsewhere, the Republicans are starting to sweat as they look at the map.
The latest incumbent in trouble is North Carolina Senator Richard Burr. With Hillary Clinton surging in North Carolina, Burr could be on his way out after November.
Also, Missouri Senator Roy Blunt is not doing well against his Democratic opponent, Secretary of State Jason Kander, a former Army captain.
In Indiana, the entry of former Democratic Senator Evan Bayh into the race has greatly increased the chances that Democrats will also be able to secure that seat.
Other GOP Senators in serious trouble include:
- Mark Kirk in Illinois, where Clinton is crushing Trump in the latest polls
- Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire, where her support of Trump continues to dog her
- Ron Johnson in Wisconsin, where former Senator Russ Feingold is doing extremely well against the incumbent.
With the good poll numbers in key battleground states, more money is also flowing into these important down-ballot races. That could be key as the election draws closer. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has $10.6 million in airtime purchased for select Senate races, according to a Democratic operative.
Another Democratic strategist noted:
“I don’t think the map is changing as much as it’s expanding.”
Featured Image Via TeachtheVote
