On the first of a two-part series examining how the parties are approaching the upcoming midterm elections, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Brendan Jaspers, political director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. They cover the key battlegrounds as well as the impact of a recent SCOTUS ruling allowing political parties to spend unlimited funds in direct coordination with candidates. Plus, reactions to the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham and continued gridlock in the House.

Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

Guest: Brendan Jaspers, NRSC

Audio Producer: Benji Englander

Video Producer: Regina Anderson

Articles Discussed:

AP: Lindsey Graham’s journey from a pool hall to the heights of political power

AP: From staunch critic to fierce ally: Graham’s long, strange and consequential friendship with Trump

NOTUS: With Lindsey Graham Gone, Republicans Worry They Lost Their Trump Whisperer

Axios: Inside Mike Johnson's déjà vu cycle of failed rule votes

Washington Examiner: Johnson confronts GOP rebellion over SAVE America Act as House returns to Washington

WSJ: A Zombie Congress Is Threatening Trump’s Agenda

AP: Republicans see their grip on Senate tighten amid Democrats’ dysfunction in Maine

The Hill: Democrats fear chances of winning Senate may be slipping away

NBC News: Sen. Dan Sullivan accuses Democrats of recruiting Alaska Senate candidate with the same name

NYT: Supreme Court Lifts Spending Limits on Political Parties and Candidates