Arizona race becomes Senate GOP’s ‘firewall’
By Reid Wilson - 09/20/18 06:00 AM EDT
TUCSON, Ariz. — The Democratic path to a majority in the Senate is narrow and fraught, and if it exists at all, it runs through Arizona, a conservative state that last sent a Democrat to the upper chamber 30 years ago.
But in a year when Democrats have a substantial advantage, Republicans worry their hold on a once-safe seat is in jeopardy — and their standard-bearer, Rep. Martha McSally (R), is warning that her campaign may be the last chance to prevent a Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).
“If there is any chance for them to be in charge, it goes through Arizona,†McSally told supporters at a local Republican club recently. “I am the firewall.â€
McSally is the embodiment of an evolving Republican Party, one in which populist fans of President Trump are superseding traditional conservatives who are no fans of the president.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/407518-arizona-race-becomes-senate-gops-firewall