Senate Republican on campaigning in ‘close’ red state races: ‘These oughta be fat guy layups’

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said Republicans are facing unexpectedly close Senate races in traditionally red states as the party fights to maintain its majority in November.

Kennedy told reporters Thursday that he plans to travel to Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa this weekend to campaign and raise money for Republican Senate candidates.

“If you told me six months ago I was going to be having to spend my time in those three states, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Kennedy said. “Those oughta be fat guy layups for us.”

“Now we’re going to win there,” he added. “But the races are close.”

Kennedy said Republicans need to focus their message on inflation and the economy, which have remained top concerns for voters heading into the midterms amid the Iran war.

“We’ve got to talk about the economy. We’ve got to talk about the cost of living,” he said.

Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, meaning Democrats need to a net gain of four seats for control of the chamber.

The Cook Political Report rates the Senate contests in Kansas and Nebraska as “likely Republican,” while Iowa is among seven races rated as a “toss-up.”

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) is seeking a second term against Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton, a pastor. Cook Political Report moved the race from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican” after Hamilton won the Democratic primary in August. Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since the 1930s.

In Nebraska, Sen. Pete Ricketts (R) is facing independent Dan Osborn, while Iowa has an open Senate race following Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) decision to retire. Cook moved Iowa into its “toss-up” category last month.

Kennedy’s comments come as Republicans work to solidify their economic messaging ahead of the midterms. Recent polling shows voters are favoring Democrats over Republicans on their most important issues, including the economy, healthcare and immigration.