WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump plans to visit Ohio on Saturday in support of Sen. Jon Husted as the Republican tries to fend off a c…
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President Donald Trump has vowed to campaign in 35 of the most competitive battleground races in the final sprint to November’s midterm elections. Instead, he will begin October by stumping in Alabama and Oklahoma, two of the most Republican states in the nation. Trump is sure to draw crowds to the venues. But the rallies are another sign of the uphill fight that his party faces as they pour cash into red states once considered safe, trying to shore up candidates facing an unhappy electorate that has soured on Trump and his policies.
Candidates in several states with competitive House and Senate races are beginning the stretch run of election season with Labor Day events at festivals, union halls and parades. This year’s campaigns already have been combative, busy and expensive. They are expected to get even more so as a larger number of voters tune in ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Some of the busiest states are the handful with competitive Senate races, such as Maine, Ohio, Georgia and Michigan. Republicans control the chamber, but Democrats see a path to taking it back if they can flip four seats and hold on in competitive states where they hold a seat.
Volkswagen’s board has approved a major cost-cutting plan to counter low-cost competition in China and U.S. tariffs. The plan, presented by CEO Oliver Blume, includes cutting 50,000 jobs, halving the model line, and ending production at four German plants. The board overcame resistance from employee representatives and the regional government. The plan aims to make Volkswagen's brands more attractive and competitive. It also foresees reducing models by 50 percent and exploring alternative uses for affected plants. Chief employee representative Daniela Cavallo calls the plan necessary for the company's future success. Volkswagen has reported a 30% drop in earnings for the first half of the year.