Swing-state Senate Democrats are touting Biden’s record – without mentioning him

Democrats locked in competitive Senate races are leaning into their party’s legislative accomplishments in ads touting investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, as well as the lowering the cost of some prescription drugs, such as insulin.

Democrats locked in competitive Senate races are leaning into their party’s legislative accomplishments in ads touting investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, as well as the lowering the cost of some prescription drugs, such as insulin. The senators, whose votes sent the bills to the White House, are front and center. But one name is often missing: President Joe Biden, who signed the bills into law. In an election in which most Democrats will be running on reproductive rights and contrasts with Republican leadership, senators such as Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania are emphasizing their roles in advancing key parts of the Biden agenda without mentioning the president. For incumbents, these recent ads are an opportunity to remind voters of their track records. But the spots also highlight the balancing act they’ll have to perform to win crossover votes from independents and Republicans who won’t back Biden. “They’re following the opinion of their voters,” said Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist. “These are Democrats who are in swing states where they need to appeal to voters that don’t like Biden, that are maybe pro-Trump voters.” Democrats will need to defend seven competitive seats – including five in presidential battlegrounds – and win the White House to maintain the majority in the Senate. Sen. Joe Manchin’s announced retirement has likely taken West Virginia out of contention for Democrats, and Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jon Tester of Montana are seeking reelection in states Trump won by 8 and 16 points, respectively. In the Blue Wall states – considered must-wins for Biden – Democrats are defending Baldwin and Casey and an open seat in Michigan.