In parts of the West Wing and Capitol Hill, they’re known as “The 18” – the 18 House Republicans elected in districts where voters supported President Joe Biden over Donald Trump. His aides are putting together plans to squeeze and shame them in the hopes of peeling off a few key votes over the next two years.
To the president and House Democratic leaders, they are the path back to the majority in 2024, and maybe even to some actual governing in between. Democrats are already making plans to pressure these Republicans to break with their party – and let their Biden-supporting voters back home know about it if and when they don’t.
The 18 themselves are not so convinced.
“Aren’t they going to work to get us to lose next November no matter what?” scoffed a skeptical New York Rep. Mike Lawler, the freshman who beat a five-term incumbent in one of the country’s most Biden-leaning district…
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