Senate Republicans are finding it challenging to campaign as the midterm elections approach, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune attributing the difficulties to Democrats.
“Their objective seems to be to keep us from getting out there, to make it hard for our members to campaign,” Thune remarked to FOX News Digital.
Fresh from a furniture store in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Thune pointed out the positive economic impact of a recent bill. This legislation extended certain tax cuts from President Trump’s 2017 tax law and modified the tax code in ways that many believe will help small businesses directly.
Thune expressed concern that Senate Democrats have consistently created obstacles for Republicans in delivering their messages during campaign season. Every lost day can mean a lot, with canceled travel plans hurting Republicans who aim to maintain their positions in power.
The ongoing partial government shutdown, which has now stretched into its fourth day, highlights the current deadlock, as Senate Democrats and the White House are in talks over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
While this latest shutdown hasn’t disrupted members’ travel plans, past shutdowns, especially the previous 43-day one, have severely limited opportunities for outreach to constituents.
Thune noted that last year saw a complete halt of President Trump’s nominees, causing him to cancel part of the August recess—an important time for lawmakers to gather support ahead of elections.
Thune believes that for Democrats, politics takes precedence over other issues, which complicates matters for incumbents seeking re-election. Republicans feel that advancing significant legislation is crucial for their survival in the upcoming election.
As inflation continues to be a pivotal concern, Thune stated that voters are likely to focus on their economic situations as they head into November. “Most voters will be thinking about their daily needs,” he added. “They’re economic voters, and how inflation affects their wallets will matter.”
