During an appearance Wednesday on Newsmax's "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren," CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp said Democrats face growing challenges in key Senate races, arguing that some of the party's nominees could become liabilities in the general election.
Discussing Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner, Schlapp said voters remain largely unfamiliar with the candidate's policy positions despite controversies surrounding him.
"The problem for Platner is he's had all these sexual charges, right. But we don't really know where he is on the issues," Schlapp said.
"I actually watched his remarks election night, and I saw some promise there with some messages that I think could really be interesting. But, they're going to ask him all the same questions that (James) Talarico is getting stuck on, boys in girls sports ... and all these kind of questions, and I haven't really heard what he has to say."
Schlapp added that Platner could face additional scrutiny on policy matters important to voters.
"I think the next problem for him is he's going to get asked about policies that matter to voters, and he might trip over all that as well. And that would be kind of a double whammy for him," he said.
Turning to Ohio, Schlapp said Republican Sen. Jon Husted faces a competitive race but cautioned against reading too much into recent polling.
Schlapp acknowledged Republicans have reasons for concern in the Senate map but argued Democratic nominees could ultimately offset some GOP vulnerabilities.
"It's a little jarring to see a Republican incumbent in trouble," he said. "If you put together the Senate map, there's plenty for Republicans to be nervous about."
Still, Schlapp expressed growing optimism about Republican prospects.
"I'm increasingly less concerned and getting to the point where I think we might do OK, because they have nominated some real left-wing crazies," he said.
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