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.