GOP focus on control of Congress amid presidential doubts this fall

NOTE: “Strengthening our conservative House majority is the Speaker’s top priority, but he also recognizes what Republican control of the Senate would mean advancing measures to cut spending, repeal ObamaCare and help remove barriers to private-sector job creation. We’re happy to do what we can to help Leader McConnell and his team at the [National Republican Senatorial Committee],” Fritz said.

From The Hill:

The top Republicans in the House and Senate are closely coordinating their efforts aimed at controlling Congress next year by trading lists of 2012 races they have prioritized.

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has given $105,000 to senators and GOP candidates running for the upper chamber, while Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) has donated the same amount to House members and candidates.

McConnell told The Hill, “[Boehner] and I both have contributed to the priorities on each other’s sides.”

The bicameral strategy comes as some high-profile conservatives, including former Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) and columnist George Will, have suggested that Congress, not the White House, should be the GOP’s focus this fall. That argument has emerged in the wake of President Obama’s improved polling numbers and growing angst on the right with the GOP presidential field.

Republicans need a net of four seats to capture the Senate (three if Obama loses). Boehner, meanwhile, is defending his new majority, which would become a minority if House Democrats pick up a net of 26 seats in November.