Below is a brief excerpt from Potomac Research Group Chief Political Strategist JT Taylor's Morning Bullets sent to institutional clients each morning.
GRANITE STATE PART II?:
The WI race is drawing comparisons to the NH primary in that the presidential candidates have descended upon it as their main focus in the absence of other primaries on April 5 . Like NH, the Badger State holds the potential to upend the race, with Cruz and Sanders currently leading their fields. An underdog victory in an important swing state would give Sanders momentum going into NY, and Cruz a much needed jolt against Trump - who has stumbled this week with his comments on criminalizing abortion, the Geneva Conventions as well as his defense of his embattled campaign manager. A win by Cruz would cast further doubt on Trump's ability to win enough delegates to clinch the nomination before the convention.
DEBATING THE DEBATES:
In a situation reminiscent of Hillary Clinton's catch-up efforts in 2008, Bernie Sanders is pushing hard for more debates ahead of the WI and NY primaries. Clinton's camp is resisting, in large part because agreeing to more debates concedes to how popular and influential Sanders is within the Party at a time when she wants to pivot her focus to the general election. Ted Cruz has repeatedly called for additional debates, hoping to weaken Trump before WI, while Trump has shirked off more debates claiming that 12 is more than enough...and we don't disagree with the Donald this time around.
CA's FIGHT FOR $15:
CA is on the verge of becoming the first state to raise their minimum wage to $15 an hour, potentially becoming another tool in the Sanders campaign workbench as raising the minimum wage is one of his core campaign promises. The state with the most delegates will likely serve as Trump's "judgment day" primary, and on the Dems' side a Sander's win would be an embarrassing episode for Clinton. Both candidates have a groundswell of support in the Golden State, and this issue will allow them to take the race local - not only to rally support for the candidacy, but also for the #FightFor15.