Fetterman Says He'll Still Caucus With Democrats

Why the speculation

Fetterman has broken with Democrats repeatedly. In July he was the only member of his party to vote against a war powers resolution seeking to force President Donald Trump to wind down the Iran war, The Hill reported. Days before that vote, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he would welcome Fetterman to the Republican Party and that GOP colleagues had already raised the idea with him.

Fetterman and McCormick launched a joint fundraising committee, Common Ground PA, in July — an unusual arrangement between senators of opposing parties.

Fetterman has said his "red line" for leaving the party would be Democrats turning against Israel. NOTUS reported that some former Fetterman aides have voiced concern he could leave if Democrats win the Senate by a single seat, which would maximize his leverage.

The numbers

A late-August poll of Pennsylvania registered voters by The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Siena University found 73% of Republicans viewed Fetterman favorably, compared with 22% of Democrats, according to The Hill. Among Republican respondents, Fetterman polled higher than McCormick, who was viewed favorably by 63%.

Sources: The Hill, NOTUS/The Washington Sun, Politico, Forbes, Al Jazeera, The National Desk.