Saturday, August 25, 2012

Embattled House, Senate candidates to get boosts from GOP convention speaking spots

Several embattled House and Senate candidates will get a potential boost next week when they take the national stage as speakers at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.
Rep. Quico Canseco, who is locked in what the Houston Chronicle calls “the most competitive congressional race in Texas,” will speak at the convention.
So will Rep. Dan Benishek of Michigan, who is running in a race that the Cook Political Report calls a “pure toss up.” Kieth Rothfus, another speaker, and the Republican candidate in Pennsylvania’s 12th District, is running in a district that is also a toss up.
Other speakers, like Rep. Sean Duffy and Indiana’s Jackie Walorski, are in Republican-leaning districts but are being targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Still others, like Kentucky’s Andy Barr, California’s Ricky Gill, and John Archer of Iowa’s 2nd District, are running in districts where the Democrat is favored.
Rep. Connie Mack, the Republican Senate candidate from Florida, and North Dakota Senate candidate Rick Berg, are simply locked in tight races.
Putting people who might not win on the stage may not be seem like the best strategy, but showcasing embattled candidates is “standard for both parties,” according to Republican strategist Phillip Stutts.

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