Senior House Republicans fighting for their lives

[Geee]

The Hill:

Two weeks ahead of the Nov. 8 elections, a handful of hardened House Republicans find themselves in a rare position: They’re fighting for their political lives.

 

Reps. Darrell Issa of California, John Mica of Florida and Scott Garrett of New Jersey — former or sitting panel chairmen who all represent suburban areas — are heading into the final leg of the campaign in toss-up races that could eliminate 54 years of Capitol Hill experience in a single night.

 

The surprising vulnerability of such seasoned incumbents has left GOP campaign strategists scrambling to defend long-held seats — and preserve their comfortable House majority — against an eleventh-hour threat that’s only been stoked by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric and deteriorating campaign.

 

Smelling blood, Democrats have pounced, sensing an opportunity to pick up seats considered safe just a few months ago — and pick off a few longtime Republicans in the process.

 

“They have it in for both Darrell and I,” Mica said in a Tuesday phone interview. “We’re two senior members on the Oversight Committee, and “I’m sure we’ve been a thorn in the Obama administration’s side. This is their time for retribution.”

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GOP vulnerables dial back Hillary attacks

 

Vulnerable Senate Republicans running in states where Hillary Clinton is up in the polls have pulled their punches against the Democratic nominee, knowing they’ll need help from some of her supporters to survive on Election Day.

 

While Democrats have made an all-out effort in these states to bash Donald Trump and tie incumbent Senate GOP candidates to the billionaire businessman at the top of the ticket, Republicans have recently gone soft on Clinton — opting to focus on their own records and the needs of their states.

 

In Ohio, Sen. Rob Portman’s ® campaign has recruited people at Clinton rallies to sign up for pro-Portman yard signs and has touted his union endorsements.

 

Portman, who says he’s not voting for Trump, has voiced criticism of Clinton over her handling of the 2012 Benghazi attacks and her policy toward Russia during her time as secretary of State. But his campaign has put more effort into identifying issues, such as toxic algae blooms near Toledo, that are obscure but important to independent and swing voters in parts of the state.

 

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/302819-gop-vulnerables-dial-back-hillary-attacks