Walker is viewed as the pro-life and pro-family candidate even if he has a somewhat questionable past because his opponent is a pro-choice pastor. That's why the race is still a tossup.
His past isn't "questionable". He physically and emotionally abused his ex-wife, impregnated multiple women while he was married and then paid for abortions, had a child out of wedlock and then was an absentee father, and, last but not least, appears to have been a terrible father. In no way, shape or form could he be described as a "pro-life" or "pro-family" candidate - he's literally pro-abortion and hates family.
All of this is true, but Republican voters don't care. They see Walker as a vote for their legislative priorities and are going to support him because of that alone.
I'm surprised some of y'all are surprised by this. Legislative agenda is part of what keeps me voting with the GOP, especially downballot. Not on every issue, mind you, but still -- I can't imagine I'm an oddball in that sense.
On the flip side you had Menéndez in 2018 where a lot of Dems who found him to be disgusting as a person but thought repudiation against Trump was more important. Menéndez did slightly underperform a generic del considering the year. But thinking about how he did like 10 points better than Phil Murphy gets me disappointed and points to a problem with our politics.
My mom, who is a pretty staunch Dem but dislikes Menéndez is considering casting a protest vote this year in NJ-08 for his son. NJ-08 is an ultra ultra safe district so her vote will be more of a message than decisive. If NJ-08 was a more competitive district she would fall in line right away.
I seriously hope they both either retire soon or get out primaried. Senator Menéndez just seems like a very flawed individual with weak moral character and child Menéndez comes across as entitled and opportunutistic; being represented by a Corrupt Senator, his Son, and Cory Booker in congress will suck.
Menendez may arrange his son to be his own successor for agreeing to retire, and the NJ Dem machine may fall in line.
