Republicans are concerned that Libertarian candidates could draw enough votes in tight US Senate contests to cost the party control of the chamber, according to an Associated Press report carried by PBS NewsHour.
Texas, Ohio and Kansas are the main worries, while Iowa is seen as lower risk because Libertarians rarely appear on its ballot. Strategists say discontent with President Trump, including over the war with Iran and his expansion of executive power, could push some conservatives towards protest votes.
In Ohio, former Libertarian national chairman Bill Redpath is standing against Republican Senator Jon Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown. Third parties may also hurt Democrats: a political action committee with Republican links has sent out fliers promoting a socialist candidate in Ohio. Trump is due to hold rallies in Texas, Ohio and Iowa this week.
Source: PBS NewsHour
