GOP Braces For Impact As It Comes Time To Pull Funding From Flailing Candidates

Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia, whose constituents live in the northern Virginia suburbs outside Washington, heads to a closed-door strategy session with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and the leadership as they try to rebuild unity within the Republican Conference, at the Capitol, in Washington, Tuesday, March 28, 2017.  Rep. Comstock is a key moderate Republican who intended to vote “no” on the Republican health care bill that was derailed last week. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-Va., heads to a closed-door strategy session with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and the leadership as they try to rebuild unity within the Republican Conference, at the Capitol, in ... Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-Va., heads to a closed-door strategy session with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and the leadership as they try to rebuild unity within the Republican Conference, at the Capitol, in Washington, Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) MORE LESS
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As Republicans stare down the prospect of a possible shellacking in the midterm elections, party officials are deciding which candidates are not viable enough to devote precious resources to, according to a Friday Politico report.

As many as 45 Republican seats could be at risk, and the GOP currently holds a 23-seat majority in the House.

Per Politico, Reps. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), Keith Rothfus (R-PA) and Rod Blum (R-IA) are most at risk for the chopping block.

Behind the scenes, senior officials at the party’s campaign arm are examining factors like polling and fundraising to determine which candidates are a lost cause.

NRCC Chairman Steve Stivers reportedly warned candidates back in the spring to prepare for an inhospitable midterm terrain and that they would be cut off if they didn’t put in the work.

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