Republicans are increasingly concerned about maintaining Senate control in the upcoming midterm election, expressing frustration that Donald Trump is undermining their efforts.
The party faces challenging circumstances. While poor approval ratings—partly attributable to the president's inability to address cost-of-living concerns—make House losses likely, Republicans have remained confident about retaining the Senate.
That confidence has wavered following Trump's attacks on five Republican senators who voted with Democrats to limit his military authority regarding Venezuela. His criticism of Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has particularly alarmed GOP leadership.
According to The Hill reporter Al Weaver, "While Republicans were miffed at the attack on the handful of members, it's Collins they are most concerned with as she potentially holds the key to them retaining the majority next year."
One anonymous GOP senator expressed frustration: "You probably ought not take on the chair of Appropriations, who's a little bit pissed off about not getting regular order appropriations done. And now you're s——g on her on this sort of stuff?"
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Republicans drew parallels to Trump's 2021 attacks on Georgia GOP candidates, which contributed to Democrats winning both of that state's Senate seats.
Senate leadership has long protected Collins, a Maine centrist and frequent Trump target. Both parties acknowledge she represents the only Republican candidate likely to win her seat in 2024. Without her, the seat would likely be lost permanently, similar to recent Democratic losses in Montana and West Virginia.
One GOP operative acknowledged the political calculus: "These aren't new feelings, right? He was able to understand—call it the World Wrestling Federation aspect of this—and was able to take his foot off the gas because at the end of the day, obviously, she's better than Graham Platner and Janet Mills will be for him."
Republican leadership already worried the 73-year-old Collins might decline to seek re-election. Trump's recent attacks could potentially push her toward that decision.
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