Some Republicans eager to unify behind Donald Trump argue unification is important not only to win the presidency, but to win Senate and other races in 2016. A new Quinnipiac poll in one important swing state suggests that keeping distance from Trump could be helping at least one Republican senator seeking reelection.
The Quinnipiac poll shows Hillary Clinton beating Trump by 1 point in Pennsylvania, 42 percent to 41 percent. At the same time, Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey leads his Democratic challenger for the Senate, Katie McGinty, by 9 points, 49 percent to 40 percent.
In recent weeks, Toomey has been critical of Trump’s actions and statements. He blasted Trump’s statements on Judge Curiel, saying, “[t]his comment about this judge is deeply offensive, it’s ridiculous, it’s outrageous,” and spoke out against Trump’s Muslim ban proposal. While he hopes to support Trump, he says, “I’m not there yet.”
The new poll also has Trump and Clinton tied in Ohio at 40 percent each, where Republican senator Rob Portman is tied with his opponent Ted Strickland at 42 percent. Unlike Toomey, Portman has endorsed Trump, although he called on Trump to retract his statements on Judge Curiel and called the statements “offensive.” Portman had previously said Trump could have a ‘positive’ impact on his campaign.
And in Florida, Clinton leads Trump 47 percent to 39 percent. Quinnipiac’s poll, conducted before Rubio’s announcement that he will be seeking reelection, shows Rubio leading both of his potential opponents by about the same margin. Rubio leads both Democratic congressmen running for the seat: Alan Grayson (48 percent to 40 percent) and Patrick Murphy (47 percent to 40 percent). While Rubio has been critical of Trump, even including concern about Trump in his Senate campaign announcement, he stands by his endorsement of Trump.
