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Article snippet: MORE’s controversial summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin is raising new concerns for Republicans less than four months before the midterm elections, threatening to overtake more favorable campaign issues for candidates. Trump continues to face bipartisan backlash after appearing to cast doubt Monday on the U.S. intelligence community’s assessment that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election. Trump has tried to do damage control, saying Wednesday no president has been tougher on Russia, but also saying the country does not pose a threat to the United States. The furor threatens to overshadow issues that Republicans are eager to run on, including touting Trump’s conservative Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh or attacking Democrats over their calls to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Putin summit controversy also comes amid special counsel MORE’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, which continues to cast a shadow over the White House and Republican candidates. But GOP candidates in top races are not abandoning the president and strategists say Republicans will remain with Trump unless his favorability among conservatives takes a big hit over the Russia controversy. “Of course, there are concerns. But ultimately, Republican voters will determine how Republican politicians react,” said GOP strategist Doug Heye. “If his numbers stay where they are, there is no reason to think that any members will br... Link to the full article to read more