Republicans in the Senate are hoping that their slim majority grows in the November midterm elections, Politico reported Tuesday.
"It is certainly more comfortable to have a stronger majority," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Politico reported.
Because of a favorable election map, Republicans could pick up Senate seats even if Democrats take control of the House of Representatives. A gain of even a seat would lead to fewer issues for Republican leaders regarding absent or wavering senators, or the availability of Vice President Mike Pence to break a tie, the report said.
The Republicans’ current position is "excruciating," said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. "You can lose your majority on practically anything," he added, Politico reported.
"Majority is a victory. Everything else is gravy," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Already in 2018, close calls have mounted. Pence broke three ties, there have been four 50-49 votes just since July, and also, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has not held some votes because of just a single senator’s private objections, the report said.
Democrats did not foresee the position they are now in, after adding Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., to their ranks. Now with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., out underdoing treatment for brain cancer, with an effective 50-49 minority position, Democrats have been able to take down a number of Republican priorities.
The Senate map has shifted toward Democrats in the past 18 months after a filibuster-proof majority seemed possible, since 10 Democratic incumbents are up for reelection in states that Trump won. However, now Democrats in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Montana are looking safe, so Republicans are seeking a majority that would allow them to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominees without drama, Politico reported.
"The closer we are to balance, the less likely the most outrageous nominees will go through unquestioned," said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
Members of the Democratic Party in the Senate say they can retake the majority by defeating Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., and picking up one or two open seats, Politico reported.
Democrats were ahead by double digits in every Senate race in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, according to poll results published Thursday.
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