Editor's Note: Below is a brief excerpt from Hedgeye Potomac Chief Political Strategist JT Taylor's Capital Brief sent to institutional clients each morning. For more information on how you can access our institutional research please email sales@hedgeye.com.
TRUMP TAKeS BACK CAPITOL HILL
Donald Trump is heading back to Capitol Hill ahead of the July convention to address the entire Republican House after his May visit with leadership came under criticism from rank and file members. Trump will have an opportunity to discuss his priorities and share his vision for moving the party forward.
House Republicans are unveiling their “ A Better Way” agenda to show how they would govern should they win back the White House – they’re desperately hoping Trump takes the cue and runs on their issues - we think he has other plans.
RYAN’S ROUND THREE
Speaker Paul D. Ryan announced the third part of his six-point plan with a focus on regulatory overhaul - scaling back Dodd-Frank, expanding energy production on federal lands and limiting lawsuits against businesses. Ryan’s laser focus on policy has helped define and forge the Republican agenda ahead of the upcoming Senate and House races. If Republicans want to stay in control of Congress - and take back the White House - they’ll need to run on ideas and draw a distinction with the Democrats and the top of their own ticket.
MAJORITY MOMENTUM?
Democrats feel they have a good shot at taking the White House and Senate this year, but what about the House? Democrats are 59 seats out of the majority - and until last night (Randy Forbes of VA was tossed) - no incumbent House Republican had lost a race.
Given turnout in last week’s presidential primary, CA Republicans, like Rep. Darrell Issa and Rep. Steve Knight, will have big bullseyes on their backs this fall - both candidates narrowly skated by in their primaries. Guilt by association will become the main drag on Republicans with Trump as the presumptive nominee - and the Democrats will remind voters of that every step of the way.
