What was first thought a near sure-fire Republican win in Missouri’s Senate race is now looking to be a nail-biter finish, and the top of the Republican ticket is a factor.
“Donald Trump was leading in Missouri by 8 or 9 points a few weeks ago. Everyone now believes that percentage is shrinking,” said KCUR and Kansas City Star political reporter Steve Kraske. “When your top of the ballot candidate is dropping, that hurts everyone else who’s in that political party up and down the ballot, so it’s bad news for Roy Blunt on that front.”
RealClearPolitics' poll of polls has Blunt leading challenger Jason Kander by a single point.
Moments like one from Wednesday’s debate is what is closing the gap in Missouri according to Democratic strategist Steve Glorioso.
“Once again [Trump] put a lot of people on down-ballot on the Republican ticket on the defensive today over the issue of will he accept the outcome of the election,” said Glorioso. “Every time that happens they get put on the spot whether it’s Roy Blunt or Sen. Ayotte in New Hampshire.
USA Today reports Missouri as one of six toss-up states that could lead to a Democratic takeover of the Senate or a 50/50 split. Democrats need a net gain of 5 seats to split. In the event of a split Senate, the vice president holds the tie-breaking vote.
Kansas City native Tim Kaine would hold that position if Hillary Clinton defeats Trump November 8. Mike Pence would hold the position of Trump wins.
Glorioso explains that the controlling party chairs Senate committees, the governmental bodies that craft legislation.
“It’s not just who gets to have the so-called majority,” said Glorioso. “It filters all the way through the operation of the U.S. Senate.”
Just how important are those committees? The chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary can bring a Supreme Court nominee up for a vote.
“They hold the ultimate card on the Supreme Court,” said Glorioso.
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Brian Abel can be reached at brian.abel@kshb.com.
