Mike Rounds

Republican Mike Rounds was elected to the Senate by the people of South Dakota, but you could be forgiven for believing this week that he represents the banks. Rounds on Tuesday made it public that he would oppose the nomination of Scott Garrett, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Export-Import Bank. Lobbyists on K Street have opposed Garrett furiously because Garrett, a former congressman, is a conservative. Democrats unanimously oppose Garrett for the same reason.

The Capitol Switchboard is 1-866-220-0044, we urge CHQ readers to call their Representative and Senators; tell them to skip the August Recess to repeal and replace Obamacare, pass the Trump budget and put a pro-growth tax reform package on President Trump’s desk.

"South Dakota is becoming a bigger headache," a Repub. said. "I don't think it is in the slam dunk category anymore." The SD Senate race is suddenly tighter than expected, but nat'l Repubs. say they aren't ready to panic.

Hawkins reviews the 2014 crop of Republican Senate nominees and takes a look at which candidates give conservatives some incentive to help vote in a Republican majority.

Republicans have a narrow path to victory.