GOP leaders facing 'internecine battles' that could blow chances of retaking the Senate

With Sen. Joe Manchin (R-WV) deciding to not run for re-election the Republican leadership sees an easy pick-up to help them retake the Senate in 2024 but are, once again, worried about possible candidates in key states who could destroy those hopes.

According to a report from Politico, controversial candidates running in swing states could blow the party's chances at a majority and the leadership is trying to lock up nominations now before it gets out of hand.

As Politico's Ally Mutnick and Burgess Everett wrote, "The GOP is escalating its push to head off problematic nominees in a slate of critical states that could determine control of the Senate next year."

With the Democart's loss of Manchin's seat in deeply conservative West Virginia a foregone conclusion, Senate Democrats need a pick-up or two of their own to maintain control.

As for Republicans, they have problems of their own.

"Republicans are still facing internecine battles in states like Arizona, Ohio and Montana that could upend their best-laid plans," the report states before adding, "In Arizona, some Republicans want to clear the field for Kari Lake by urging her opponent to primary a House member instead. In Ohio, GOP Sen. J.D. Vance is trying to sell party leaders on his preferred pick in a three-way contest."

Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) suggested Republicans can be their own worst enemies when it comes to allowing fringe candidates to linger on the campaign trail too long.

“Usually what happens is the more extreme candidate wins. And a lot of damage is done to whoever emerges,” he explained.

You can read more here.