The race between the GOP's Blake Masters (pictured above) and Democratic incumbent Mark Kelly is projected to be one of three "GOP pick ups" next week that could play major roles in Republicans regaining the majority in the upper chamber. Like many Republicans challenging incumbent Democrats, Masters has had to fight back from a substantial deficit.
In late August, for example, the GOP nominee trailed Kelly by six points in a compilation of polls by RealClearPolitics. A month later, the spread was essentially the same. But in two recent polls, Masters is only one point down and seems to have the momentum he needs to win on Tuesday – and he got a real shot in the arm when Libertarian candidate Marc Victor dropped out of the race and endorsed Masters.
Jameson Taylor is director of policy and legislative affairs at AFA Action. "This is interesting because Victor has been polling in single digits. He polled as high as 6%, but he's also been supported by Democratic PACs and other supporters," Jameson explains.
"Democrats have given the Libertarian candidate Marc Victor thousands of dollars – [and they] have pulled similar stunts in other states."
Meanwhile, Taylor says Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake has been surging in the polls – and that that could benefit Masters as well.
Editor's Note: AFA Action is an affiliate of the American Family Association, the parent organization of the American Family News Network, which operates AFN.net.
