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| With Campaigns in Remote Mode, Pandemic Upends Battle for Congress | With Campaigns in Remote Mode, Pandemic Upends Battle for Congress |
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| WASHINGTON — As John Hickenlooper, the former Colorado governor and current Democratic candidate for Senate, began another campaign event via Facebook Live last week, he stated the obvious to his virtual audience. | WASHINGTON — As John Hickenlooper, the former Colorado governor and current Democratic candidate for Senate, began another campaign event via Facebook Live last week, he stated the obvious to his virtual audience. |
| “The nature of campaigns has changed,” Mr. Hickenlooper said as he beamed his message out to the political world from his family room in a joint appearance with Kathleen Sebelius, the former Obama administration health and human services secretary who was back home in Kansas, to talk about coping with the novel coronavirus. “These times really are different, and we are going to be doing things differently on this campaign.” | “The nature of campaigns has changed,” Mr. Hickenlooper said as he beamed his message out to the political world from his family room in a joint appearance with Kathleen Sebelius, the former Obama administration health and human services secretary who was back home in Kansas, to talk about coping with the novel coronavirus. “These times really are different, and we are going to be doing things differently on this campaign.” |
| Mr. Hickenlooper, who is hoping to oust Senator Cory Gardner, a Republican, is not the only one adjusting to a radically changed campaign reality. The sudden onslaught of coronavirus has upended the nation’s congressional races as many were just getting started, altering the political landscape in unpredictable ways and forcing candidates in the battle for the Senate and House to adapt to unique circumstances. | Mr. Hickenlooper, who is hoping to oust Senator Cory Gardner, a Republican, is not the only one adjusting to a radically changed campaign reality. The sudden onslaught of coronavirus has upended the nation’s congressional races as many were just getting started, altering the political landscape in unpredictable ways and forcing candidates in the battle for the Senate and House to adapt to unique circumstances. |
| Campaign officials and strategists are trying to carefully game out the new reality. The crisis could prove to be a boost for incumbents who have a built-in advantage in providing services to constituents at a time when voters are on edge and in need. But it is also shining a potentially unflattering spotlight on Washington’s response to the pandemic, which could hurt lawmakers who were already facing an uphill climb to re-election. | Campaign officials and strategists are trying to carefully game out the new reality. The crisis could prove to be a boost for incumbents who have a built-in advantage in providing services to constituents at a time when voters are on edge and in need. But it is also shining a potentially unflattering spotlight on Washington’s response to the pandemic, which could hurt lawmakers who were already facing an uphill climb to re-election. |
| While awaiting new polling and other information, it is difficult to gauge who stands to gain. | While awaiting new polling and other information, it is difficult to gauge who stands to gain. |
| “There are multiple logical scenarios, but it’s too early to know,” said Nathan L. Gonzales, editor of the nonpartisan newsletter Inside Elections. “The response is just getting started and there won’t be enough race-specific data to make a sweeping conclusion for at least a few weeks.” | “There are multiple logical scenarios, but it’s too early to know,” said Nathan L. Gonzales, editor of the nonpartisan newsletter Inside Elections. “The response is just getting started and there won’t be enough race-specific data to make a sweeping conclusion for at least a few weeks.” |
| What is certain is that the Rotary Club lunches, community gatherings, door-knocking and fund-raising receptions that are ordinarily the lifeblood of congressional races are gone for now. They are being replaced with tele-town halls focused on how to contend with the pandemic, virtual fund-raising get-togethers and appeals to contribute not to campaigns, but to nonprofit community groups as incumbents and challengers try to stay relevant in a grim news cycle dominated by a single topic over which they have no control. | What is certain is that the Rotary Club lunches, community gatherings, door-knocking and fund-raising receptions that are ordinarily the lifeblood of congressional races are gone for now. They are being replaced with tele-town halls focused on how to contend with the pandemic, virtual fund-raising get-togethers and appeals to contribute not to campaigns, but to nonprofit community groups as incumbents and challengers try to stay relevant in a grim news cycle dominated by a single topic over which they have no control. |
| In one example, Senator Thom Tillis, a first-term Republican facing a difficult re-election fight this fall in North Carolina, has been holding daily conference calls for constituents to dial in with questions about the pandemic. They are a chance for Mr. Tillis, who polls show to be deeply unpopular in his state, to present himself more as a social worker tending to voters’ needs than as a politician clinging to his seat in a close race. | In one example, Senator Thom Tillis, a first-term Republican facing a difficult re-election fight this fall in North Carolina, has been holding daily conference calls for constituents to dial in with questions about the pandemic. They are a chance for Mr. Tillis, who polls show to be deeply unpopular in his state, to present himself more as a social worker tending to voters’ needs than as a politician clinging to his seat in a close race. |
| In Arizona, Senator Martha McSally, another embattled Republican, announced she would devote 15 days to raising money for the Salvation Army, not her political organization. Theresa Greenfield, a Democratic challenger in Iowa hoping to replace Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican, has been urging Iowans to donate to food banks. | In Arizona, Senator Martha McSally, another embattled Republican, announced she would devote 15 days to raising money for the Salvation Army, not her political organization. Theresa Greenfield, a Democratic challenger in Iowa hoping to replace Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican, has been urging Iowans to donate to food banks. |
| Applying his unique background to the situation, Mark Kelly, a Democrat and former astronaut trying to oust Ms. McSally, has been offering tips on how to cope with isolation during long days spent at home based on his time in space. | Applying his unique background to the situation, Mark Kelly, a Democrat and former astronaut trying to oust Ms. McSally, has been offering tips on how to cope with isolation during long days spent at home based on his time in space. |
| Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana, who decided to run for Senate only in March after saying for months that he was not interested in the job, is at the center of his state’s response to the pandemic. As the only sitting governor running for the Senate this year, Mr. Bullock, who hopes to defeat incumbent Senator Steve Daines, a Republican, has the potential advantage of being in the spotlight as Montanans confront the outbreak, sparing him the typical struggle challengers face in trying to grab attention from a well-known incumbent. | Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana, who decided to run for Senate only in March after saying for months that he was not interested in the job, is at the center of his state’s response to the pandemic. As the only sitting governor running for the Senate this year, Mr. Bullock, who hopes to defeat incumbent Senator Steve Daines, a Republican, has the potential advantage of being in the spotlight as Montanans confront the outbreak, sparing him the typical struggle challengers face in trying to grab attention from a well-known incumbent. |
| Audio leaked out last week of a conference call between the nation’s governors and President Trump in which Mr. Bullock challenged the president on lack of testing supplies. And Mr. Bullock is appearing regularly on television to speak out about the situation in his state. Republicans concede he could gain from his high-profile leadership role, but warn it could also hurt him if the state response is deemed wanting or bungled. | Audio leaked out last week of a conference call between the nation’s governors and President Trump in which Mr. Bullock challenged the president on lack of testing supplies. And Mr. Bullock is appearing regularly on television to speak out about the situation in his state. Republicans concede he could gain from his high-profile leadership role, but warn it could also hurt him if the state response is deemed wanting or bungled. |
| For now, the situation has given Mr. Bullock a chance to portray himself as above the partisan fray, as his advisers insist he is not thinking in terms of the political ins and outs. | For now, the situation has given Mr. Bullock a chance to portray himself as above the partisan fray, as his advisers insist he is not thinking in terms of the political ins and outs. |
| “There will be a time for a campaign, and he looks forward to it,” said Matt McKenna, the governor’s political adviser. “But right now he is focused on fighting this pandemic, keeping Montanans safe and getting front line workers the resources they need. | “There will be a time for a campaign, and he looks forward to it,” said Matt McKenna, the governor’s political adviser. “But right now he is focused on fighting this pandemic, keeping Montanans safe and getting front line workers the resources they need. |
| House contenders have also sought to emphasize their constituent work. Representative Harley Rouda, Democrat of California, rerouted campaign volunteers away from their usual calls, directing them to contact older adults for wellness checks instead. Representative Colin Allred, Democrat of Texas, has used his email list to send out fund-raising links to local food banks. | House contenders have also sought to emphasize their constituent work. Representative Harley Rouda, Democrat of California, rerouted campaign volunteers away from their usual calls, directing them to contact older adults for wellness checks instead. Representative Colin Allred, Democrat of Texas, has used his email list to send out fund-raising links to local food banks. |
| The National Republican Congressional Committee, normally a bastion for Trumpian name-calling and hard-edge partisan attacks, used its Twitter account on Friday to circulate a link to guidance for small businesses on how to obtain newly available loans through the just-enacted economic stimulus law. In a memo, the committee, the campaign arm of House Republicans, also urged candidates to watch their tone in messages to voters. | The National Republican Congressional Committee, normally a bastion for Trumpian name-calling and hard-edge partisan attacks, used its Twitter account on Friday to circulate a link to guidance for small businesses on how to obtain newly available loans through the just-enacted economic stimulus law. In a memo, the committee, the campaign arm of House Republicans, also urged candidates to watch their tone in messages to voters. |
| “At times like this, you need to ask yourself if your press release or snarky comment are in poor taste,” the memo said. | “At times like this, you need to ask yourself if your press release or snarky comment are in poor taste,” the memo said. |
| Some incumbents have already experienced the risks of being tied closely to the government’s response to the pandemic. During one tele-town hall, Mr. Tillis, who is facing a challenge from Cal Cunningham, a former Democratic state legislator, came under criticism from a constituent who said the economic relief measures enacted in Washington in recent weeks — including $1,200 direct payments to taxpayers — were not enough. While most of those who spoke sounded unconcerned with politics and more interested in learning how to collect unemployment benefits and other aid, a woman named Sarah lashed out at Mr. Tillis for what she argued were overly restrictive stay-at-home policies that she said were harming the economy and costing working families jobs. The nation’s elected leaders, she said, ought to be making hard decisions to minimize the impact of the coronavirus while keeping the country at work. | Some incumbents have already experienced the risks of being tied closely to the government’s response to the pandemic. During one tele-town hall, Mr. Tillis, who is facing a challenge from Cal Cunningham, a former Democratic state legislator, came under criticism from a constituent who said the economic relief measures enacted in Washington in recent weeks — including $1,200 direct payments to taxpayers — were not enough. While most of those who spoke sounded unconcerned with politics and more interested in learning how to collect unemployment benefits and other aid, a woman named Sarah lashed out at Mr. Tillis for what she argued were overly restrictive stay-at-home policies that she said were harming the economy and costing working families jobs. The nation’s elected leaders, she said, ought to be making hard decisions to minimize the impact of the coronavirus while keeping the country at work. |
| “Your one-time check to my family isn’t going to help us recover from what we are suffering right now,” said the woman, who declined to share her last name. “I just find this extended lockdown to be outrageous.” | “Your one-time check to my family isn’t going to help us recover from what we are suffering right now,” said the woman, who declined to share her last name. “I just find this extended lockdown to be outrageous.” |
| Mr. Tillis offered a meandering answer, but stood firm in defense of the current social distancing program. | Mr. Tillis offered a meandering answer, but stood firm in defense of the current social distancing program. |
| “If we send everyone back to work, I guarantee you the peak will be greater, the number of hospital beds will be fewer and people will die,” he said. “What we are trying to do is minimize that, flatten the curve and get back to work.” | “If we send everyone back to work, I guarantee you the peak will be greater, the number of hospital beds will be fewer and people will die,” he said. “What we are trying to do is minimize that, flatten the curve and get back to work.” |
| The crisis has provided several Republican senators in highly competitive races the opportunity to emphasize their role in both fashioning the $2 trillion stimulus package and in helping secure needed medical supplies for their states. Mr. Gardner, who is trying to hold off Mr. Hickenlooper, said he used connections he made through his work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to help secure 100,000 masks for Colorado out of one million that Taiwan donated to the states. | The crisis has provided several Republican senators in highly competitive races the opportunity to emphasize their role in both fashioning the $2 trillion stimulus package and in helping secure needed medical supplies for their states. Mr. Gardner, who is trying to hold off Mr. Hickenlooper, said he used connections he made through his work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to help secure 100,000 masks for Colorado out of one million that Taiwan donated to the states. |
| Republican campaign officials said they were urging senators to focus on the crisis, rather than shift into campaign mode. | Republican campaign officials said they were urging senators to focus on the crisis, rather than shift into campaign mode. |
| “The only guidance we have is be a senator,” said Kevin McLaughlin, executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “Stay in touch with people, be a point of reference, just go do your job.” | “The only guidance we have is be a senator,” said Kevin McLaughlin, executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “Stay in touch with people, be a point of reference, just go do your job.” |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | Updated June 16, 2020 |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| The Senate website of Mr. Daines, who had hoped to escape a contest with Mr. Bullock, reflects that approach. It features a compilation of favorable video clips from Montana news outlets about Mr. Daines’s role in the coronavirus aid legislation — including a White House shout out from Vice President Mike Pence — under the headline “Sen. Daines is fighting for Montana on Covid-19 ” Also prominent were releases about benefits he had pushed, including a timeline of his role. | The Senate website of Mr. Daines, who had hoped to escape a contest with Mr. Bullock, reflects that approach. It features a compilation of favorable video clips from Montana news outlets about Mr. Daines’s role in the coronavirus aid legislation — including a White House shout out from Vice President Mike Pence — under the headline “Sen. Daines is fighting for Montana on Covid-19 ” Also prominent were releases about benefits he had pushed, including a timeline of his role. |
| Some analysts said they were skeptical that Senate incumbents would receive a bounce from the legislative package. Mr. Gonzales suggested that even in this extraordinary environment, the battle for control of the Senate would come down to the public perception of Mr. Trump. | Some analysts said they were skeptical that Senate incumbents would receive a bounce from the legislative package. Mr. Gonzales suggested that even in this extraordinary environment, the battle for control of the Senate would come down to the public perception of Mr. Trump. |
| “In the end, I expect voters to fall back to their partisan corners and the most competitive Senate races will be significantly impacted by the president’s standing,” he said. | “In the end, I expect voters to fall back to their partisan corners and the most competitive Senate races will be significantly impacted by the president’s standing,” he said. |
| Democrats are counting on that as well, pointing to public unhappiness with the president’s response. | Democrats are counting on that as well, pointing to public unhappiness with the president’s response. |
| “In this evolving crisis, people want reliable information and steady leadership,” said Lauren Passalacqua, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Democrats are focused on solutions to address the spread of coronavirus and mitigate its impact on their states, sharing resources, hosting virtual town halls with experts and working to support their communities.” One thing both sides agree on is that even given the stakes in the fight for congressional control, campaigning is hardly uppermost in anyone’s mind at the moment. | “In this evolving crisis, people want reliable information and steady leadership,” said Lauren Passalacqua, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Democrats are focused on solutions to address the spread of coronavirus and mitigate its impact on their states, sharing resources, hosting virtual town halls with experts and working to support their communities.” One thing both sides agree on is that even given the stakes in the fight for congressional control, campaigning is hardly uppermost in anyone’s mind at the moment. |
| “We have to deal with this,” Mr. McLaughlin, the head of the Senate Republican campaign group, said of the pandemic. “If we don’t fix this, it just doesn’t matter.” | “We have to deal with this,” Mr. McLaughlin, the head of the Senate Republican campaign group, said of the pandemic. “If we don’t fix this, it just doesn’t matter.” |
| Nicholas Fandos and Catie Edmondson contributed reporting. | Nicholas Fandos and Catie Edmondson contributed reporting. |