Republicans descend on Dallas in search of jolt at midterm convention

DALLAS — Republicans begin a two-day convention Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Dallas facing the daunting task of shaking up a midterm election favoring Democrats, who are becoming increasingly bullish about their chances of winning both the House and Senate.

Less than two months before the Nov. 3 election, Republicans are descending on the Lone Star State for the party's first-ever midterm convention in need of a jolt to fend off a potential blue wave. They're banking on President Donald Trump to ignite the MAGA base and help turn around their outlook.

The Polymarket betting market as of Sept. 8 is giving Democrats an 87% chance to gain control of the House and a 53% chance to take the Senate, up from 28% this time a year ago, as several Senate Democratic candidates in competitive races have surged to polling leads.

Decision Desk HQ, a closely watched election forecaster, on Sept. 8 gave Democrats a 50% chance of winning the Senate. For much of the past year, the forecaster has called the Senate decisively for Republicans.

Republican officials are calling the midterm convention "Trumpapalozza," with the president and other speakers planning to tout Trump's agenda, paint Democrats as dangerous "communists" and…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/