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Democrats are heading into the homestretch of three special elections over the next month amid a national frenzy over the investigation into the possible connections of President Trumps 2016 campaign and Russian interference in the election.

Yet in all three races, Democrats have made a tactical decision not to turn the contests into a referendum on Trumps alleged scandals and instead are focusing on policy decisions by the president and congressional Republicans.

Democratic strategists privately say that this might be the recurring theme through the November 2018 midterm elections. Democrats say that they have learned a lesson from the 2016 elections, in which House Democratic candidates relentlessly focused their campaigns on trying to tie Republican incumbents to the personal scandals of Trump or some of his more outlandish policy statements.

That strategy failed in almost spectacular fashion, providing a net gain of only six seats when, just two weeks before Election Day, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was predicting gains of more than 20 seats and possibly winning the majority.

From Montana to the suburbs of Atlanta, voters are getting a steady diet of commercials from the Democratic candidates that focus on GOP plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act without enough protections for those who have preexisting health conditions. Theyre talking about tax breaks for the middle class and small businesses, blasting their opponents for helping special interests.

Greg Gianforte would make people like Tom pay thousands more just so he can pay less. Im Rob Quist and I approve this message to fight for people with preexisting conditions, Quist, the Democratic candidate, says in one of two closing ads ahead of Thursdays election to fill Montanas at-large House seat.

Both ads one a minute long and one 30 seconds focus on the Republican health bill that passed the House earlier this year and on Gianfortes wavering views on the legislation.

Neither of them even mention Trump once.

Its the same with the newest ad for Democrat Jon Ossoff running in the June 20 election for Georgias 6th Congressional District north of Atlanta, a 30-second spot that criticizes the Republican, Karen Handel, for her role in trying to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood while serving as an executive of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

And in South Carolina, Democrat Archie Parnells underdog race to fill the seat vacated by Mick Mulvaney, Trumps budget director, is focusing on trying to increase his popularity by touting his business experience and running as an outsider.

The danger for Democrats is that they might be overlearning the lesson of the last war, applying the 2016 mind-set to what could be a different environment in 2018. These newest Trump scandals do not involve his personal behavior or outlandish statements they are about possible abuse of power in firing James B. Comey as FBI director because of his investigation into the Trump campaigns alleged ties to Russia.

This decision to not focus on Trump is partly out of political geographic necessity. Trump won the Montana and South Carolina districts by 20 and 19 percentage points, respectively, so even as his first four months as president have been a slog in terms of accomplishments, Trump remains popular enough in those places that it makes little sense to run a campaign attacking him.

This cowboy-poet is trying to steal a Republican House seat in Montana

Even in the Georgia district, vacated by Tom Price to become Trumps health secretary, the president won by 1.5 percentage points, which means a lot of voters there support him even if it was a dramatically smaller margin of victory than the typical GOP nominee received in that well-educated region.

In several after-action reports following the 2016 elections, Democrats discovered that it was a mistake to try to tie Trumps behavior to well-known incumbents who had their own brand identity with voters.

In Denvers suburbs, Democrats tried to turn Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) into the originator of Trumps accusation that President Barack Obama was born in Kenya. In the suburbs of Minneapolis, they tried to make Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) responsible for Trumps degrading behavior toward women.

Both Republicans won their races by large margins, their fifth-straight win each.

Republicans made a similar mistake back in 1998, when President Bill Clinton was mired in a sex scandal that led to impeachment by the House. In the closing weeks of the 1998 midterms, Republicans tried to turn the election into a referendum on Clintons personal behavior but voters did not hold Democrats responsible for what was such a personal foible of the president. Republicans ended up losing seats that year.

So now, Democrats are making a conscious decision to focus their attacks on kitchen-table issues, not the latest tweet from Trump that sparked outrage inside Washington.

In announcing a $750,000 investment into the Georgia race, House Majority PAC did not mention Trumps name once and focused on Ossoffs ability to work in bipartisan fashion and get results for the district.

If Democrats dont win one of three upcoming special elections, how can they take back the majority in 2018?

The choice couldnt be more clear between Ossoffs jobs-focused agenda and career politician Karen Handels record of misusing taxpayer dollars and putting her own ambition ahead of the people she was supposed to represent. Were going to deliver that message clearly and aggressively at the doors and on the air, Charlie Kelly, executive director of the Democratic super PAC, said.

While the national media focuses on every Trump scandal, Democrats are going to stick to the script of focusing on how the president and congressional Republicans are not keeping their promises to help the working class and instead are focusing on policies that might hurt workers.

Expect to see campaigns like Parnells in South Carolina.

Politicians promise, then dont deliver, he says straight to the camera, pledging to help veterans and protect Social Security. I wont promise you the world, but I will work every day to make your life better.

He never mentions Trump.

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For Democrats, special elections may be preview of 2018 campaigns - Washington Post

Karrie Delaney, Hannah Risheq and John Carey are competing in the Democratic primary for a House of Delegates seat in Fairfax County.

In these anti-establishment times in which Democrats still stunned by Donald Trump's surprise election to the presidency are searching for newness, Risheq is bringing up a potential negative about Delaney: She was registered as a Republican in Florida, where she previously lived.

House District 67 is held by moderate Republican Del. James M. LeMunyon of Fairfax. the district, which includes part of Loudoun County, went to Democrat Hillary Clinton in last year's presidential race. She won 58 percent of in-person voters, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Though turnout is much higher in a presidential election - boosting Democrats - whoever wins the Democratic primary will be gunning to upset LeMunyon, who's held the seat since 2010.

It's the female candidates who've been getting the most attention in the June 13th primary.

Delaney, 38, is a community activist and formerly worked for a nonprofit dedicated to ending sex trafficking. She's been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-11th and numerous state and local Democratic officials and has a solid ground game of volunteers for door-knocking and phone calls.

Delaney leads Democratic fundraising with $85,942 to $12,922 for Carey and $5,437 for Risheq as of the latest filing, according to VPAP.

Risheq, 25, a first-generation American of Arab and Jewish descent, was mentioned in an April story in Time about a new generation of grassroots Democratic candidates and was featured in a Huffpost story in April with the headline, "The Resistance gave birth to a girl and her name is Hannah Risheq."

Risheq recently earned a master's degree in social work and social policy from Columbia University - her second master's degree. She said she'd love to work in a bipartisan fashion in the General Assembly, but noted that she grew up in the Obama era when Congress refused to operate that way following passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

She said Democratic primary voters aren't aware Delaney was once a registered Republican.

"Its OK if you were a Republican and then decided that you believe the Democratic platform, but its not OK to hide it," Risheq said. "I think its something that the voters should know. Voters should know about who theyre voting for."

The detail about Delaney's previous voter registration shows up in public records searches. Delaney was appointed to a city council seat in West Melbourne, Fla., in 2004. As of 2005 she was registered as a Republican in Florida. She lost election in November of that year to an anti-tax newcomer, 58 percent to 42 percent. In Virginia voters do not register by party.

Delaney declined to be interviewed. Her campaign manager, Will Van Nuys, issued a statement noting her support from Connolly, state Sen. Barbara A. Favola, D-Arlington, six Democratic delegates and three Democrats on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors.

"Congressman Connolly said, 'Karrie is uniquely qualified to stand up to Trumps hateful policies' and he's right. Karrie is determined to pass commonsense gun control laws, protect a woman's right to make her own health care decisions, stand up to Donald Trump's dangerous agenda, and be a voice for the people for Virginia's 67th District."

Carey, 42, is a consultant to auto dealer suppliers. He didn't respond to a request to talk about Delaney's prior voting registration, but an aide issued this statement:

"Voters demand accountability and transparency from their candidates. As a lifelong Democrat, John has been knocking on doors and making phone calls to talk to residents about the issues they're facing and we will be interested in her responses."

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In key Northern Virginia primary, Democrat raises her opponent's GOP past - Richmond.com

Photo: Bob Luckey Jr. / Hearst Connecticut Media

John Blankley, Greenwich Democrat, has formed an exploratory committee toward a possible run at state treasurer.

John Blankley, Greenwich Democrat, has formed an exploratory committee toward a possible run at state treasurer.

Greenwich Democrat considers statewide run

GREENWICH Another of Greenwichs most prominent Democrats is setting his eyes on a position in Hartford.

John Blankley, a member of the town Board of Estimate and Taxation, has announced he has formed an exploratory committee toward a possible run for state treasurer in 2018.

Fundamentally, I have a strong desire to serve, Blankley said. I have a strong desire to give back to the community and the state. Life has been good to me and my family and Im fortunately in a position to do it. I want to do this.

Blankleys move comes on the heels of a similar one by Selectman Drew Marzullo, also a Democrat, who announced earlier in the week he has formed an exploratory committee toward a possible run for lieutenant governor.

Blankley said it is too early to say whether or not he actually will become a candidate.

It depends on the extent of the support I am able to get during the exploratory phase, he said. During this phase you can ask for money and ask for support. If its determined there is enough support, then you can turn it into a full candidate committee.

Blankley has run for office several times in Greenwich, including last year when he challenged incumbent state Sen. L. Scott Frantz, R-36th. That race, as well as previous ones for first selectman and state representative, ended in defeat, a fate common to Democrats in Greenwich, where they are significantly outnumbered by Republicans.

But the odds would shift significantly in Blankleys favor were he to get the Democratic nomination in a statewide race in blue Connecticut.

Blankley said he believes he is well positioned to serve as treasurer. He noted his years in the private sector working in high-ranking positions for large companies including BP North America, and as the head of the small business he formed, Flagship Networks, a successful IT company.

I had to ask myself, How best can I make a contribution? Blankley said. This position seems like a perfect fit ... running a treasury operation, managing bond issuance and overseeing investments are all the core activities of the big corporate jobs that I had over the years.

The treasurers position is a powerful place from which to advocate for ideas that will help the state solve its financial problems, he said.

Several Greenwich Democrats are encouraging Blankleys run, including former Selectwoman Lin Laverey, who said the state would be fortunate to have Blankley in Hartford.

He is well suited for this position, Lavery said. He has the financial expertise. Thats what we certainly need right now.

Greenwich Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jeff Ramer, who serves on the BET with Blankley, called Blankley the best of the best for the job.

The horrifying complexities and big numbers in Hartford are likely to be comparatively routine challenges to John, Ramer said. I have had the honor to work alongside John on the Board of Estimate and Taxation. For the town, just as he has as the CFO at major corporations, he greets these worrisome challenges with a calm and competence.

Blankley, who was born and raised in England, moved his family here in 1983, and became a U.S. citizen in 1997. He said he would likely make a decision on whether to run or not within the next six months. In the meantime, he has set up a campaign website at http://www.blankleyfortct.com.

Incumbent state Treasurer Denise Nappier has not announced whether or not she will seek another term. A Democrat, she has served as treasurer since 1999.

On Friday her offices Director of Communications David Barrett said no decision regarding another run has been made.

Blankley said Nappiers decision would have no bearing on his own interest in the office.

There will be other candidates, Blankley said. There has to be. Whatever she decides will make no difference to me. Its about what needs to be done in Connecticut and what I can bring to the table.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com

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Greenwich Democrat considers statewide run - Greenwich Time

The much-anticipated Congressional Budget Office score on the GOPs American Health Care Act will be released on Wednesday. One day later, the polls will close in Montanas special election for the states sole House seat, which pits Democratic musician Rob Quist against Republican businessman Greg Gianforte. (A Libertarian Party candidate is also competing for the seat.)

For Democrats, the timing is ideal. Quist, a populist who is campaigning with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) this weekend, has aggressively run against the AHCA, dubbing it a tax cut for millionaires. Gianforte, who told The Washington Post last month that Republicans needed a majority to prevent debacles like the first failed AHCA push, was caught on tape telling donors that he supported AHCA though he had not taken an official position on the revised (and un-scored bill). And Quist, who announced this week that hed raised $5 million for a race that Democrats debated whether to compete in, is closing out the campaign with two ads about health care.

[Trump turmoil is spreading far beyond Washington to state and local races]

In Pre-Existing, Quist attempts to reframe the main Republican attack on him that hes left a trail of tax liens and debts by pinning his financial problems on health insurance costs. Half of all Montanans have a preexisting conditions; mine was a botched surgery, says Quist.

In Half, the same footage is repurposed for Quist to tell his story and the stories of a half-dozen people at a campaign picnic. Were all thankful to be here, Quist says. Greg Gianforte says hes thankful for the new health-care bill, the one that eliminates protections for preexisting conditions and raises premiums on every Montanan who has one.

The AHCA would not eliminate the portion of the Affordable Care Act that bars insurer discrimination against people with preexisting conditions. It would, however, allow states to waive that portion of the law and toss affected patients into a high-risk pool a position that Republicans have struggled to sell back home.

Tellingly, Gianfortes ads barely mention health care at all. Closing spots from his campaign, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the Congressional Leadership Fund all whack the Democrat over unpaid taxes, warning voters that hed be hard to trust with their money.

But the impact of the ads and the AHCA headlines is hard to gauge. Both campaigns have worked to gettheir bases to vote early, with at least 200,000 voters already having turned in their ballots by early Friday morning. Turnout has been slightly higher in Republican-leaning counties, though Quist, unusually for a Democrat, has worked to win his home base of Flathead County usually a conservative stronghold.

A Quist victory would shock Republicans, whove seen the race shrink to a single-digit dogfight despite plenty of money and campaign visits by Donald Trump Jr. and Vice President Pence. But a Gianforte victory of any size would allow Republicans to once again mock the minority party for its moral victories, and soothe some of the nerves that jangled during this weeks controversies.

I dont think the other guys take a hard look at investigating Trump unless they lose in Montana and Georgia, one Democratic congressman told The Washington Post this week.

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Montana Democrat closes with health-care message in closely watched congressional race - Washington Post

Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker is making a $1 million deposit in a black-owned bank in Chicago, taking a page from Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's playbook.

The issue led to back-and-forth attacks from the two campaigns centered on failures of financial institutions Rauner and the Pritzker family have been involved with in their careers.

Pritzker's planned deposit, like Rauner's three years ago in a South Side credit union, carry the goal of generating support from black voters.

Pritzker's campaign tried to draw a distinction between the two men's actions: the Democrat's money pledge was only announced on a Chicago radio show, while Rauner's visit to the credit union was a major campaign event.

Appearing on WVON 1690-AM Monday, Pritzker was asked by a caller named "Bob" if he could do what Rauner did and "make a commitment to put $1 million of the money in a black bank so we can have loans and hire people?"

Pritzker, a billionaire investor and entrepreneur, responded: "As a matter of fact I have made a commitment to do that, and we met with a number of African-American faith leaders who were very encouraging about that and felt like that's a very important way for us to create employment in the African-American community, so that's something I've already done."

The money is going to Illinois Service Federal Savings in Bronzeville, the Pritzker campaign confirmed Friday.

When Rauner campaigned in July 2014 for the governor's office, the wealthy former equity investor attended a South Side meeting of the group Black Wall Street Chicago, where he pledged to deposit $1 million in a black-owned institution.

Later, Rauner showed up at the South Side Community Federal Credit Union at 54th and Wentworth Avenues, scaling back his deposit to $800,000 and giving another $200,000 as a grant. That was because the credit union couldn't generate enough revenue to pay Rauner the interest due on a $1 million deposit.

Pritzker's decision to pick Illinois Service was first reported by Crain's Chicago Business. The bank reported losing $3.8 million for 2016, federal records show, but showed a slight profit in the first three months of 2017.

Early in the primary campaign, Pritzker and his chief rivals for the Democratic nomination have been working to pick up support in the African-American community, a dedicated Democratic voting bloc. Pritzker has among his African-American supporters Aldermen Pat Dowell, 3rd; Roderick Sawyer, 6th; Emma Mitts, 37th; and Michael Scott Jr., 24th, as well as city Treasurer Kurt Summers.

In a statement, Pritzker's campaign sought to draw a distinction with their candidate's actions and Rauner's, contending when the Republican got elected in 2014 he "left Illinoisans behind."

"Unlike Bruce Rauner, Illinois communities can count on J.B. to stand with them as governor because that's what he's done his entire career," the Democrat's campaign said. "J.B. will ensure Illinoisans have a seat at the table as he works to grow jobs, support small businesses, expand access to capital, and bring investment directly into black and brown communities."

Rauner's campaign responded by calling Pritzker's planned deposit "a drop in the bucket to the hundreds of millions Pritzker made peddling subprime loans to minority communities, while costing the taxpayers $300 million and ordinary depositors their savings."

Though it didn't name the institution, the Rauner campaign was referencing the 2001 failure of Superior Bank, which involved the Pritzker family, heirs of the Hyatt Hotel fortune. The bank was chaired at one time by J.B. Pritzker's sister, Penny Pritzker, who went on to become Commerce Department secretary under President Barack Obama.

In December 2001, the Pritzker family and its business partner agreed to pay $460 million to the U.S. over the bank's failure and a decade later got a discount on remaining payments of the 15-year settlement by agreeing with regulators to pay off the balance early, Bloomberg News reported in May 2013.

The Rauner criticism of the Pritzker family's role in Superior prompted the Democrat's campaign to attack the Republican governor for what it said was profiting off of HomeBanc Mortgage Corp.

Rauner "drove the company into the ground, firing approximately 1,100 people, but making sure his CEO got a nearly $5 million golden parachute," said Pritzker spokeswoman Galia Slayen.

In September 2014, the Chicago Tribune reported on Rauner's involvement with HomeBanc, which was the subject of an attack ad then-Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn ran against his Republican challenger.

The equity firm Rauner formerly chaired, GTCR, partnered in 2000 to create HomeBanc Mortgage. While GTCR once held a majority stake, it reduced its holdings after a public stock offering and sold the last of its shares in September 2006, based on Security and Exchange Commission records.

GTCR's actions came just months before the sudden financial unraveling of the mortgage company in 2007 led first to the January firing of CEO Patrick Flood, followed by an August bankruptcy filing. But GTCR had no board members on the mortgage firm involved in its management since 2005, prior to Flood's firing and severance, and the bankruptcy filing. Records showed Rauner was not a board member of HomeBanc in the lead-up to its public offering in 2004.

rap30@aol.com

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Pritzker, Rauner spar after Democrat pledges $1 million to black-owned bank - Chicago Tribune