Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* In case Democrats weren’t already worried, a newly released AARP poll in Wisconsin — generally seen as one of the nation’s most important battleground states — finds Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden by 5 points in a head-to-head matchup. The margin grows to 6 points with third-party candidates in the mix. (Click the link for information on the survey’s methodology and margins of error.)
* The same poll, however, found incumbent Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin leading Republican Eric Hovde in Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race by 5 points. (Click the link for information on the survey’s methodology and margins of error.)
* A variety of Democratic senators continue to appear quite skeptical of Biden’s electoral future, including Sen. Patty Murray, a member of Democratic leadership and the chair of the Appropriations Committee. The Washington state Democrat said in a statement that despite her “strong respect” for the president, “we need to see a much more forceful and energetic candidate on the campaign trail in the very near future in order for him to convince voters he is up to the job.” Murray added, “At this critical time for our country, President Biden must seriously consider the best way to preserve his incredible legacy and secure it for the future.”
* On a related note, Democratic Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, went public yesterday with his belief that Biden should abandon his re-election bid.
* Trump told Fox News last night that he has delayed his running mate announcement because he’s waiting to see whether Biden will remain his opponent. “You know, we wanted to see what they’re doing, to be honest. Because, you know, it might make a difference,” the Republican said, referring to Democrats.
* In Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race, Republican David McCormick claims to have created “hundreds of jobs” in Pittsburgh. The evidence suggests otherwise.
* And in Arizona, failed Senate candidate Blake Masters is now running for the U.S. House and keeps suggesting that he enjoys Trump’s support — despite the fact that Trump endorsed his primary rival, Abe Hamadeh. Politico reported that Team Trump has reportedly contacted Masters “to urge the Arizona Republican to pull or change ads that falsely or incorrectly imply that he has Trump’s endorsement in his congressional campaign.”








