Toomey dodges Trump questions days before election

“I have a lot of problems with Donald Trump. I’ve been very public about my criticisms,” he said. “On the other hand, I think he would sign some legislation that would be constructive if he were to become president.”

 

Questioned on whether voters deserved to know his stance on the presidential race, he fired back, “I don’t think they care nearly as much as you guys do.” 

Democrats have hounded Toomey for refusing to break with Trump over his string of controversial comments.

 

But political experts and consultants in the state argue his stance is the best option. Supporting Trump could alienate moderate voters, while cutting ties with him could threaten to undermine Toomey’s support among the base he’ll need to win reelection.

Toomey acknowledged Thursday that “I wrestle … with where to end up on this” but argued that Katie McGinty, his Democratic opponent, won’t stand up to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton if she wins the White House.  

“I have an opponent who can’t acknowledge a single flaw in what I think is the most badly flawed Democratic nominee in the history of Democratic Party,” he said.

The Pennsylvania race is one of roughly seven Senate fights that will help determine which party controls the Senate next year. Democrats need to pick up five seats — or four if they retain the White House — to win back the majority. 

 

McGinty is leading Toomey by an average of 5 percentage points, according to RealClearPolitics.