Mr. McCarthy, whom Mr. Trump refers to as my Kevin, and who had always planned to play a role at the party gathering, delivered a gauzy tribute to the president. Lawmakers in both parties agree the House is likely safely in Democratic hands, but in an upbeat prepared video statement, the closest Mr. McCarthy got to mentioning the congressional battlefield was when he smeared Democrats as socialist out to destroy our economy.
Other Republican incumbents provided their own short taped messages for the convention, but they aired before most networks began showing the proceedings on television. In one such segment, the party showcased its full lineup of Senate contenders in a video produced in the style of player introductions in televised football games.
We will win because we must win, said the video, which concluded with a shot of Mr. McConnell after showing black-and-white footage of John James, the partys Senate challenger in Michigan who is an Army veteran, working out. We must hold the line.
The absence of some of the more prominent Senate voices did not go unnoticed. Asked this week why he was not speaking at the convention, Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Mr. Trumps staunchest allies, told reporters in South Carolina that he would be campaigning and trying to get myself re-elected instead, but would watch Mr. Trumps remarks from the White House on Thursday.
Polls suggest Mr. Graham is in a tighter-than-expected race to keep what should be a safe Republican seat.
I get to speak a lot, Mr. Graham said. I dont think anybody will say Lindsey Grahams been denied a chance to have his say.read more
Crucial Battle to Keep Senate Control Gets Little Notice at Republican Convention
