Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* In case Democrats weren’t already worried, a newly released AARP poll in Wisconsin — generally seen as one of the nation’s most important battleground states — finds Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden by 5 points in a head-to-head matchup. The margin grows to 6 points with third-party candidates in the mix. (Click the link for information on the survey’s methodology and margins of error.)
* The same poll, however, found incumbent Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin leading Republican Eric Hovde in Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race by 5 points. (Click the link for information on the survey’s methodology and margins of error.)
* A variety of Democratic senators continue to appear quite skeptical of Biden’s electoral future, including Sen. Patty Murray, a member of Democratic leadership and the chair of the Appropriations Committee. The Washington state Democrat said in a statement that despite her “strong respect” for the president, “we need to see a much more forceful and energetic candidate on the campaign trail in the very near future in order for him to convince voters he is up to the job.” Murray added, “At this critical time for our country, President Biden must seriously consider the best way to preserve his incredible legacy and secure it for the future.”
* On a related note, Democratic Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, went public yesterday with his belief that Biden should abandon his re-election bid.








