Reuters: Two-Thirds GOP Candidates Distance From Trump

A Reuters review of voting records, statements, and campaign materials found candidates in 41 of 62 competitive House and Senate races seeking distance from President Donald Trump ahead of the November 3 midterms. Policy breaks appeared in 23 races, including the Iran war in 12; three candidates criticized or sought to slow data-center projects; twelve removed Trump's name, image, or endorsements from websites. Mike Rogers, who spoke at Trump's Dallas midterm convention, drank a Labatt and said Canada is not our enemy. Pete Ricketts criticized expanded beef imports yet appeared with Trump in Nebraska and said he has been fighting for him in Washington. Mariannette Miller-Meeks joined Trump at the White House for an Iowa steel-plant announcement after voting to limit his war powers. White House spokesman Davis Ingle called Trump the unequivocal leader, best messenger, and unmatched motivator. Strategist Ron Bonjean said candidates are reflecting voter attitudes and that if voters are not with Trump they need to show a break. Consultant Jeanette Hoffman called it a balancing act given how toxic the Trump brand is at the moment. A Reuters/Ipsos poll put Trump's approval at a career-low 32%, with Democrats preferred 44% to 37% overall and 37% to 21% among independents. Left-rated outlets stressed the scale of distancing; the one right-rated outlet reported the same Reuters tally. Control of Congress remains at stake.