Midterms unleash nastiest barrage of attack ads as Senate control draws attention

Senate races sharpen political stakes

The article describes a final stretch of campaigning marked by attack ads, accusations and harsh rhetoric. It says social media is amplifying the activity as races in a dozen states could determine Senate control.

Montana Democratic Party chairman Shannon O’Brien resigned, pointing to divisions within the party over the Senate contest. In an MS NOW essay, O’Brien said the race’s winner would almost certainly vote on a Supreme Court nominee.

Questions and attacks in campaigns

O’Brien also raised questions about the Democratic candidate’s positions on abortion and poverty. The article does not identify that candidate in the passage.

Claims face legal pushback

A Vanity Fair report alleged secret foreign financial dealings by Jared Kushner. His attorney threatened legal action and demanded evidence for the claims. The article also describes the report as arriving during the final stretch before the midterms. It provides no further details about the alleged dealings or the attorney’s response.