First lady Michelle Obama has been relatively absent from the midterm election campaign trail, especially compared to the example set by her Democratic predecessor, Hillary Clinton.
Democrats say that’s because Obama dislikes being away from her daughters, believes Washington’s politics are toxic and resents Republicans for opposing husband’s agenda.
This month, however, Obama plans to rally voters on behalf of a handful of gubernatorial candidates.
She was in Maine and Massachusetts Friday for rallies and has an upcoming trip for Wisconsin.
Another reason behind her absence could be the desire of candidates facing tough elections to put distance between themselves and President Obama.
“She’s awesome, but it just brings in the name Obama,” a Democratic strategist in a state with a close Senate race told the New York Times.
The strategist declined to be identified discussing politics involving the first lady.
Mrs. Obama has yet to announce plans to go to Arkansas, Louisiana or North Carolina, three key battleground states that will decide whether Democrats will keep the Senate majority. On Oct. 23, she will lead a rally for incumbent Colorado Democratic Senator Mark Udall.
Polls show that more than 60 percent of Americans approve of Mrs. Obama’s performance as first lady — roughly 20 points higher than the approval rating for her husband, who has also been off the public campaign trail.
