More evidence Republicans see President Barack Obama’s sagging popularity as a huge political asset: Thursday night’s Georgia Senate clash.
Jim Gaines of the Macon Telegraph reported that Democrat Michelle Nunn used most of her time to blast Republican David Perdue. Perdue aimed his criticisms at Obama. Here’s Gaines’ story.
“Perdue framed the race between Nunn and himself as a contest for control of the Senate. Republicans hope to take control by winning several close races, thus toppling Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, as majority leader,” Gaines reported. “Nunn immediately went on the attack, accusing Perdue of wanting to perpetuate gridlock by refusing to work across the aisle.”
Republicans need a net gain of six seats to win control of the Senate in the next Congress.
The Georgia race is being closely watched, because it’s viewed as one of two states where Democrats have a decent chance of winning a Senate seat now help by a Republican. The other is Kentucky, where Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell faces a tough challenge from Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes.
Obama’s low approval ratings could also put another Democratic-held seat in play. A new WMUR Granite State Poll Thursday found the New Hampshire Senate race a virtual dead heat, largely because of national trends. The seat is now held by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.