The likely nominee is trying to transform herself into a conservative Democrat by being a semi-reliable supporter of the president
By Reid J. Epstein
Senate Democrats, against all odds just a few months ago, can see a path that could lead them back to power, with one hitch—the road to a Democratic Senate majority runs through Trump Country.
To win, Democrats must defend 10 Senate seats they hold in states President Donald Trump won in 2016, plus take at least two seats now held by Republicans. In these states, the party faces a tricky balance act. It must appeal to independents and centrist Republicans, who typically decide elections in these states, without alienating energized Democrats whose anti-Trump energy has invigorated the party.
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Arizona has one of the GOP seats Democrats want, the one being vacated by Sen. Jeff Flake, and here the tensions are on full display. At a recent gathering of Democratic activists in Phoenix, one party leader estimated that half of those in the room were angry with Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, the party’s expected nominee, in part because she has consistently voted for Trump priorities.
Patrick Seifter, the Democratic chairman for a central Phoenix legislative district, ticked off the grievances. Ms. Sinema once voted to block the admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. Last year, she voted for Kate’s Law, which would have increased penalties for deported immigrants with felony convictions who return to the U.S. She voted for a bill that included money for a wall on the Mexican border.
“Obviously I want a Democrat to win, but it is more than having the letter D after your name,” said Mr. Seifter. Though he’ll reluctantly support Ms. Sinema, he plans to cast a symbolic vote against her in the August primary. He said a quarter of the room might not back her in November.
In the Senate, Democrats’ efforts to expand their ranks have already exposed cracks in their caucus and within an increasingly liberal party base. One particular source of tension is how the party’s newfound enthusiasm is increasingly coming from activists who want the party to adopt an aggressive and confrontational anti-Trump position.
