Will Trump voters turn out for an election with no Trump? The answer could determine control of Congress

Dan Karr had little use for politics until Donald Trump came along. He captivated the small business owner with his wrecking-ball candidacy and Karr has grown even more supportive since Trump became president.

“He’s actually doing what he said he would do, which is unusual,” the rangy 57-year-old marveled. Things like cutting taxes and rolling back government regulations.

But Karr’s enthusiasm doesn’t translate into excitement over November’s midterm election — he may or may not vote — and that’s a problem for Republicans fighting to keep their majorities on Capitol Hill.

Republican faithful reliably cast their ballots, noted Stuart Elway, a Seattle pollster who has spent decades sampling public opinion in Washington state. But will Trump voters who aren’t as politically engaged turn out for an election with no Trump on the ballot?

“Where are they going to be?” Elway asked. “That’s the million-dollar question.”

The answer could very well determine control of Congress. CONT.

Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times