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A tough start for GOP in a high-stakes week

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., right, speaks to an aide as he appears before a Senate Finance Committee hearing to consider the Graham-Cassidy healthcare proposal, on Capitol Hill, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., right, speaks to an aide as he appears before a Senate Finance Committee hearing to consider the Graham-Cassidy healthcare proposal, on Capitol Hill, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., right, speaks to an aide as he appears before a Senate Finance Committee hearing to consider the Graham-Cassidy healthcare proposal, on Capitol Hill, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

By Associated Press 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – A high-stakes week is getting off to a bad start for President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the GOP.

A key defection appeared to sink their health care drive anew, while another disappointment loomed Tuesday as the GOP Senate candidate backed by Trump and McConnell struggled in the polls in an Alabama runoff election.

The twin blows, if both arrive, would leave Trump and McConnell looking for a win elsewhere. That arena could be taxes, where congressional Republicans and the administration will finally roll out their long-promised tax overhaul plan.