Trump rallies to boost Barletta -- and his own 2020 prospects in Pa.

The president is aiming to energize his supporters in a critical swing state while helping a close ally in an uphill Senate battle.

By JAMES ARKIN 08/02/2018 02:58 PM EDT

Officially, President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania is intended to boost Republican Lou Barletta’s long-shot Senate campaign. But Trump’s own sagging fortunes — and the importance of the state to his 2020 reelection hopes — are top of mind.

Barletta faces an uphill battle to oust two-term incumbent Sen. Bob Casey, who holds a massive financial advantage and a double-digit lead in nearly all early public polls. Yet even as some Republicans shrug off the race and look elsewhere to protect their Senate majority, the president remains closely engaged in the state.

Trump wants to help Barletta, an early and enthusiastic supporter of his presidential bid. But Trump’s own approval numbers are underwater in the state, which he won by just 1.2 percentage points, and keeping his base motivated through the midterms is critical to laying the groundwork to compete there again in 2020.

“It's a 2020 effort that you're also getting some mileage on for 2018,” said one former administration official, who requested anonymity to speak candidly. “Barletta's campaign just can't find the right gear. Is this the kind of thing that can springboard him? Sure, it might be able to.”

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https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/02/trump-pennsylvania-2020-lou-barletta-759387