00:00A congressional race that should be a layup for Republicans is turning into a heart-pounding contest that may require a three-point buzzer beater to win.
00:08Here's why the special election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District could be bad news for Republicans.
00:17Early voting is over and Election Day is Tuesday. A new poll reveals the race is neck-and-neck.
00:2248% say they'll vote for Republican Matt Van Epps and 46% support Democrat Afton Ben.
00:28The results are within the margin of error and 5% are still undecided.
00:33Pollster Spencer Kimball said of the poll,
00:35The special election in Tennessee's 7th District will come down to what groups are motivated to turn out on Election Day and who stays home.
00:43This poll is surprising and, if accurate, would be troubling news for Republicans. Why?
00:48Because Donald Trump and former Congressman Mark Green, who resigned, both won this district by more than 20 points just a year ago.
00:55Now, the president's approval rating among voters in that district is underwater. 47% approval to 49% disapproval.
01:03Kimball said,
01:04President Trump's approval rating is a stark reversal from last November when he carried the district by 22 points. The decline is driven by independents, among whom 59% disapprove and just 34% approve.
01:18Losing this seat would have a big impact on the balance of power.
01:21There would be 219 Republicans and 214 Democrats. So to pass legislation on party lines, Republicans could only lose two votes. If Republicans keep the seat and go to 220 members, they'll be able to lose three.
01:36But remember, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning January 5th. So that will cost Republicans another seat until it's filled.
01:44There's also this to keep in mind. Democrats have two vacant seats in safe districts that have yet to be filled. There will be a special election January 31st in Texas and another April 16th in New Jersey.
01:57A Democratic sweep could bring the House balance of power to 218 to 216, meaning Republicans wouldn't be able to lose a single vote to pass any bill on their own.
02:08I'm Ray Bogan for Straight Hour News. For more unbiased reporting straight from our nation's capital, download the SAN app.
Be the first to comment