Democrats are targeting Republican candidates as ‘carpetbaggers’ in an attempt to sway voters and retain their Senate majority. Despite historically ineffective campaigns using this strategy, Democrats hope to capitalize on voters’ aversion to non-locals seeking office. Five Democratic incumbents, including Jon Tester and Bob Casey, are facing competitive reelection battles in swing states where Republicans have been accused of being ‘carpetbaggers.’ Montana’s Tim Sheehy and Pennsylvania’s Dave McCormick are among those facing such accusations. Democrats argue that these candidates lack understanding of the states they are running in, while Republicans dismiss the attacks as baseless attempts to avoid discussing policy differences. Experts note that the strategy may resonate in certain regions due to their unique political dynamics involving insiders versus outsiders.
Results for: Republican candidates
Pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America (SBA) is urging Republican candidates to emphasize the unpopularity of Democratic abortion policies ahead of the 2024 elections. Democrats have used abortion as a rallying cry since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, attributing political wins to the unpopularity of pro-life causes. However, SBA argues that Democrats’ message is more fearmongering than fact and wants GOP candidates to highlight Democrat support for policies that would make the United States similar to countries with the most liberal abortion laws in the world. The organization is also urging candidates to support policies that provide real options and support for mothers in need, such as expanding child tax credits and streamlining adoption services.