Prominent Republicans have been crossing party lines to endorse Democratic candidates in a series of races across the country, including competitive contests in reliably Republican states, ahead of the midterm elections. Former Republican governors, members of Congress and state officials are among those who are putting country over party by backing Democratic candidates in states including Texas, Kansas, Montana and South Carolina. Some have framed the endorsement as objections to particular nominees.
However, others have expressed broader dissatisfaction with the direction of the party under President Donald Trump. Still, the cross-party endorsements give Democratic candidates an unexpected asset ahead of midterm elections that will determine control of both chambers of Congress and elect dozens of governors across the country. Republicans are fighting to defend slim majorities in the House and Senate.
It means that any erosion in support in the most closely contested races could prove consequential and impact the remainder of Trump's second term. Crucial races in some states have become unexpectedly competitive amid Trump’s falling approval ratings and voter concerns about the economy, high gas prices and the Iran war. Here are the states where top Republicans have come out to endorse a Democratic candidate: In Colorado’s gubernatorial race, former Republican Congressman Ken Buck is among more than a dozen Republicans who have endorsed Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser over the Republican nominee, Victor Marx.
He’s hard-working, and he cares for all the people of Colorado and he will be inclusive as governor to make sure all views are represented in his administration," Buck said in a video released by Weiser’s campaign. Marx, a first-time candidate and ministry leader, faces an uphill battle to become Colorado’s first Republican governor in two decades. He has faced scrutiny over sensational claims about his personal history and alleged campaign finance violations.
Earlier this month, Weiser’s campaign announced that, along with Buck, 15 other prominent current and former Republican leaders had endorsed him. They include former Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman and Russ George, a former speaker of the State House of Representatives. Two former Republican governors have endorsed Democrat Adam Hamilton in his bid to oust incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall.
Mike Hayden, who was the state’s governor from 1987 to 1991, said in an op-ed earlier this month that, as a lifelong Republican, he had previously supported Marshall. But Hayden accused Marshall of spending his time in the Senate "putting party and politics over the people of Kansas." He criticized Marshall's support for Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war. "We need a senator who listens.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
