By Alexander Bolton and Amie Parnes - 10/26/16 06:01 AM EDT
Vulnerable Senate Republicans running in states where Hillary Clinton is up in the polls have pulled their punches against the Democratic nominee, knowing they’ll need help from some of her supporters to survive on Election Day.
While Democrats have made an all-out effort in these states to bash Donald Trump and tie incumbent Senate GOP candidates to the billionaire businessman at the top of the ticket, Republicans have recently gone soft on Clinton — opting to focus on their own records and the needs of their states.
In Ohio, Sen. Rob Portman’s (R) campaign has recruited people at Clinton rallies to sign up for pro-Portman yard signs and has touted his union endorsements.
Portman, who says he’s not voting for Trump, has voiced criticism of Clinton over her handling of the 2012 Benghazi attacks and her policy toward Russia during her time as secretary of State. But his campaign has put more effort into identifying issues, such as toxic algae blooms near Toledo, that are obscure but important to independent and swing voters in parts of the state.
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http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/302819-gop-vulnerables-dial-back-hillary-attacks
