Move to the Right

    “As the national political environment continues to tilt toward Republicans, a growing number of Democrats are likely to face tough re-election fights this fall.
    “Two of the latest examples are Democratic Reps. Rick Boucher (Va.) and Ben Chandler (Ky.), who are being targeted by national Republicans and face credible challengers in their respective conservative-leaning, coal country districts.
    “To reflect the competitive nature of the battles both Democrats are expected to have this fall, CQPolitics is changing the race ratings in both Virginia’s 9th district and Kentucky’s 6th district from Likely Democratic to the more competitive category of Leans Democratic.
    “The rating change in Chandler’s district comes just days after his opponent, attorney Andy Barr, released a new poll that showed him trailing the Congressman by just 7 points. Chandler took 45 percent while Barr, a first-time candidate who isn’t well known outside of establishment GOP circles, received 38 percent.
    “Chandler’s camp has disputed those numbers and insists that the Congressman is up by double digits, but Barr’s poll has Republicans excited and it is already being used to gin up fundraising support.
    “Over the summer months the fundraising battle will be important. Chandler, the grandson of a former Kentucky governor and senator, boasts more than $1.5 million in his campaign account.”
    CQ-Roll Call, June 19