Vice President JD Vance said he's not concerned that some Republicans in key congressional races are planning to skip the party's first-ever midterm convention this month in Texas, downplaying the absences amid questions about whether the event helps battleground candidates.
"That doesn't concern me," Vance said of Republicans opting out of the convention, adding candidates in close races have a lot to juggle, from fundraising to meeting with voters.
"We don't need a congressman in a tight race to be there in all cases," Vance continued. "Sometimes it might be better if that guy's out there raising money. But I think people are going to make a determination: What is the best way for me to spend my time as a candidate."
President Donald Trump is
gathering his party for a two-day pep rally in Dallas on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10. Vance is scheduled to speak the first night, and Trump on the second night.
The event has been dubbed "Trumpapalooza" by Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, who said it will help unify the party and reach voters who may not have tuned in yet. Organizers are hoping to boost GOP enthusiasm, but the confab is getting a lackluster reception from some in the party.
A spokesperson for Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told USA TODAY that she doesn't plan to be at the convention, and instead will remain in her state, a top Senate battleground. Democrat Kamala Harris carried Maine by 7 percentage points in the 2024 election and Collins faces a tough re-election fight.
Meanwhile, a Politico survey of 70 Republican candidates and members of Congress found that most aren't heading to the convention, citing plans in their districts and other obligations.
āI just felt Iād be more useful in my district,ā Michigan GOP Rep. Tom Barrett told Politico as he faces a competitive race in a swing seat.
Vance said he and Trump will get much of the media coverage at the convention anyway. Lawmakers in tough contests "should go out there and make the best case they can to their constituents," he said.
Some Republicans are warning the convention could backfire in battleground races.
The event comes just after Labor Day, as the campaign season kicks off in earnest, requiring candidates to take time away from talking to voters less than two months before Election Day. Being too closely tied to Trump also could be problematic for candidates in tight races. Just 4 in 10 voters approve of the president in the Real Clear Politics average of recent polls.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'That doesn't concern me': Vance downplays GOP convention no-shows
