By Mike Lillis and Scott Wong - 10/26/16 06:01 AM EDT
Two weeks ahead of the Nov. 8 elections, a handful of hardened House Republicans find themselves in a rare position: They’re fighting for their political lives.
Reps. Darrell Issa of California, John Mica of Florida and Scott Garrett of New Jersey — former or sitting panel chairmen who all represent suburban areas — are heading into the final leg of the campaign in toss-up races that could eliminate 54 years of Capitol Hill experience in a single night.
The surprising vulnerability of such seasoned incumbents has left GOP campaign strategists scrambling to defend long-held seats — and preserve their comfortable House majority — against an eleventh-hour threat that’s only been stoked by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric and deteriorating campaign.
Smelling blood, Democrats have pounced, sensing an opportunity to pick up seats considered safe just a few months ago — and pick off a few longtime Republicans in the process.
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http://thehill.com/homenews/house/302820-senior-house-republicans-fighting-for-their-lives
