REPUBLICANS RISE IN HEARTLAND DEMS FACE SHUTOUT IN OHIO

◼ Republican Joni Ernst has opened up a 6 percentage point lead over Democrat Bruce Braley in Iowa’s closely watched U.S. Senate race, according to a new Des Moines Register Iowa poll.

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/09/28/241295_gops-ernst-pulls-ahead-in-iowa.html?sp=/99/104/463/&rh=1#storylink=cpy - McClatchy

◼ Good news for Republicans in weekend polls - HotAir

On the polling front this weekend, Republicans have a few reasons to celebrate. Last week, the building blocks of the narrowest Republican Senate majority were clearly coming together. This week, polls indicate that Republicans have a number of avenues to pursue in their quest to win back the majority....

Heading into October, it is clear Republicans will have to fight for every vote. There is plenty of campaign left in 2014; Republicans could still slip up or Democrats might surge if, for example, President Barack Obama’s job approval rating spikes in the next month. It seems increasingly likely, however, that the GOP will not only retake the Senate in November but do so with a sizable majority.

◼ 9 Senate Races That Could Tip the Balance of Power
◼ Top 10 toss-up Senate races of 2014 - Examiner

Interview: Tom Del Beccaro On State Of California's Republican Party - CBS SF