Senate News & Analysis

GOP Senators Brace For Trump Tsunami

by Nathan L. Gonzales August 5, 2016 · 3:59 PM EDT

With both party conventions in the rearview mirror, Republicans and Democrats are preparing for the general election sprint. And the forecast is not good for the GOP.

While Donald Trump’s presidential campaign appears to be spinning wildly out of control and is potentially cratering from lack of support from GOP…

The Country is More Divided Than You Think

by Nathan L. Gonzales August 5, 2016 · 3:58 PM EDT

After two consecutive weeks of covering both party conventions, standing in both arenas and being on the floor for parts of all eight nights, I came away with at least one big takeaway: We live in a divided country—a very divided country. 

At first glance, this isn’t breaking news.…

What I Learned Outside the Convention Bubble

by Nathan L. Gonzales August 3, 2016 · 11:19 AM EDT

WYNNEWOOD, Pa. — Stephanie Peditto is a reminder that it’s good for reporters to venture outside the bubble because normal people don’t always follow the campaigns closely.  

After nearly two consecutive weeks of covering party conventions, it was time to take a break from the overwhelming world of…

NRSC: GOP Senators Running for Sheriff, Not President

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 21, 2016 · 3:26 PM EDT

CLEVELAND — Nine freshman Republicans took the stage Tuesday night at the Republican National Convention to celebrate the GOP majority in the Senate. Six hours earlier, top GOP strategists made the case that they won’t be in the minority next year.  

The National Republican Senatorial Committee's chairman, Sen.…

Evan Bayh, Indiana and the Fight for the Senate

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 14, 2016 · 12:56 PM EDT

Former Sen. Evan Bayh will run for the Senate after all, buoying Democrats’ chances of winning the open seat in Indiana and the Senate majority.

Bayh’s decision was surprising, considering he didn’t seek re-election in 2010 and had shown no interest in running or serving again despite Democratic recruitment…

Why Republicans Decline to Attack Democrats on “Culture of Corruption”

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 13, 2016 · 11:34 AM EDT

Republicans are obsessed with one high-profile Democrat who isn’t going to be indicted — while giving a collective shrug after two Democratic House members have been indicted within the past 12 months.  

On Friday, Democratic Rep. Corrine Brown of Florida was indicted on conspiracy and fraud charges related…

Ratings Change: Indiana Senate Moves to Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 11, 2016 · 11:55 AM EDT

Former Sen. Evan Bayh will run for the Senate after all, buoying Democrats’ chances of winning the open seat in Indiana and the Senate majority.

The news, first reported by CNN’s Tom LoBianco, is surprising considering Bayh, who didn’t seek re-election in 2010, had shown no interest in…

Colorado Primary Results Keep Senate Republicans on the Defensive

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 1, 2016 · 9:22 AM EDT

Colorado has been a Rocky Mountain roller coaster of emotion for Republicans.

Less than two years after unseating one Democratic senator, Republicans nominated a candidate with no paid staff to take on the other Democratic senator. 

El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn won the GOP primary Tuesday with 38 percent…

Rubio, Research Shake Up Florida Races

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 1, 2016 · 9:21 AM EDT

With just days before the July 24 filing deadline, Republican Marco Rubio reversed course and announced his campaign for re-election to the Senate, creating a domino effect on Florida races. 

Rubio announced his retirement early in order to focus on his presidential run and give GOP candidates ample time to…

Republicans Need Gary Johnson to Save the Senate

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 30, 2016 · 9:05 AM EDT

On Sept. 26, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will face off in Dayton, Ohio, for what's anticipated to be the most-watched presidential debate in history. Republicans need Gary Johnson to be on the stage.  

Normally, both parties try to marginalize third-party candidates and keep them from getting publicity…