In this Jan. 26, 2016, photo, supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump cheer to drown out protestors chants during a campaign event at the Roundhouse Gymnasium, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Trump, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders are energizing grassroots voters as the first balloting of the 2016 presidential race draws near. Yet the three maverick contenders are also alarming political operatives over the damage each could wreak on their own partiesâ House candidates this November. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders are energizing grassroots voters as the first balloting of the 2016 presidential race draws near. But the three maverick contenders are doing something else: They're alarming political operatives over the damage each could wreak on their own parties' House candidates this November.
The worry is that each man's take-no-prisoners appeals would alienate moderate voters in the two to three dozen competitive House races expected in seats from Florida to California, often in the suburbs.
It seems unlikely Republicans would lose House control, but some in the GOP envision a serious dent in their current majority should Trump or Cruz be nominated. Democrats worry that a Sanders candidacy would deflate their chances for sizable gains.
In this Jan. 26, 2016, photo, wearing the same shirt to show their support for Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Denny Swaim, left, and wife, Sandi share a laugh at a campaign event at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa. Donald Trump, Cruz and Bernie Sanders are energizing grassroots voters as the first balloting of the 2016 presidential race draws near. Yet the three maverick contenders are also alarming political operatives over the damage each could wreak on their own partiesâ House candidates this November. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The Associated Press
In this Jan. 26, 2016, photo, Kittie Weston-Knauer and her husband Max Knauer of Des Moines, Iowa, listen as Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. speaks during a stop at the United Steelworkers Local 310L union hall in Des Moines, Iowa. Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders are energizing grassroots voters as the first balloting of the 2016 presidential race draws near. Yet the three maverick contenders are also alarming political operatives over the damage each could wreak on their own partiesâ House candidates this November. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Associated Press