Addressing supporters at a high school gymnasium near Dayton, Ohio, last weekend, US President Donald Trump predicted that Republicans would exceed expectations in the November midterm congressional elections, which were anticipated to be difficult.
"I think we will have a big surprise, because they do not know what will happen," Trump stated, referring to Democrats. The Republican Party faces the risk of losing control of both houses of Congress after the midterm elections.
"Go vote. If you do, we will win, and win big," Trump said, adding that this would "strike a blow" to Democrats.
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President Trump applauds as the crowd cheers at a rally in Ohio on 3/10. *Reuters* |
The rally in Ohio is part of President Trump's plan to campaign in at least 17 states until 3/11, aiming to boost the chances of Republican candidates in the midterm elections. In Ohio, Trump expressed support for Senator Jon Husted's continued campaign for the Senate, where he faces Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown.
This is one of the most expensive and competitive Senate races in the US. The contest between Husted and Brown could determine which party will control the Senate after the midterm elections.
The Senate Leadership Fund, a super political action committee (super PAC), has injected an additional 14 million USD into Ohio to support Husted, raising the group's total spending in the state to 93 million USD.
Husted's effort to retain his Senate seat has become a concern within the Republican Party. In August, the National Republican Senatorial Committee warned that Husted's past enthusiastic support for building data centers was causing disadvantages for his campaign. Others also expressed concern that Husted was not fully committed to this race.
Many incumbent Republican senators also face fierce political challenges in the midterm elections, as President Trump's approval ratings have fallen in recent months. This decline is attributed to high gas and essential goods prices, along with the prolonged conflict in Iran.
By Hoang Lan (According to NBC News, Reuters)
