On the first of a two-part series examining how the parties are approaching the upcoming midterm elections, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Brendan Jaspers, political director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. They cover the key battlegrounds as well as the impact of a recent SCOTUS ruling allowing political parties to spend unlimited funds in direct coordination with candidates. Plus, reactions to the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham and continued gridlock in the House.

Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

Guest: Brendan Jaspers, NRSC

Audio Producer: Benji Englander

Video Producer: Regina Anderson

Articles Discussed:

AP: Lindsey Graham’s journey from a pool hall to the heights of political power

AP: From staunch critic to fierce ally: Graham’s long, strange and consequential friendship with Trump

NOTUS: With Lindsey Graham Gone, Republicans Worry They Lost Their Trump Whisperer

Axios: Inside Mike Johnson's déjà vu cycle of failed rule votes

Washington Examiner: Johnson confronts GOP rebellion over SAVE America Act as House returns to Washington

WSJ: A Zombie Congress Is Threatening Trump’s Agenda

AP: Republicans see their grip on Senate tighten amid Democrats’ dysfunction in Maine

The Hill: Democrats fear chances of winning Senate may be slipping away

NBC News: Sen. Dan Sullivan accuses Democrats of recruiting Alaska Senate candidate with the same name

NYT: Supreme Court Lifts Spending Limits on Political Parties and Candidates

On the second of a two-part series examining how the parties are approaching the upcoming midterm elections, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci are joined by Mike Smith, president of House Majority PAC. They discuss the Democrats plan to take back the House, bellwether races to watch, and the impact of a surging left wing. Plus, Speaker Mike Johnson looks to advance key priorities: Reconciliation 3.0, a CR, the NDAA and a ban on stock trading.

Note: With the House headed into a long recess and Annalyse headed on maternity leave, this will be the last episode of CONTROL for several months.

Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Guest: Mike Smith, House Majority PAC Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson

Articles Discussed: Punchbowl: Four big GOP bills for the House’s last week

WaPo: Four competing priorities bog down Republicans ahead of midterms

POLITICO: Senate GOP isn’t sold on Mike Johnson’s budget blueprint

POLITICO: The Senate GOP’s squeaky wheel suddenly has a lot of power

WSJ: Democrats Go on Offense With $272 Million Ad Strategy

NYT: In Trump’s Second Midterm, Democrats Are Looking for Fighters

Roll Call: Democratic socialists’ primary wins give Trump new midterms attack lines

Ahead of a what is scheduled to be a busy week in the House of Representatives, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci ask whether the SAVE America Act will continue to dominate the conversation. Can lawmakers strike deals on the NDAA and annual appropriations bills, or will Reconciliation 3.0 become the only path forward? Then, Ramsey Touchberry, congressional reporter for the Washington Examiner, joins the show to unpack the latest dynamics in the Senate. Plus, on this week's Campaign Corner: insurgent candidates gain ground in Colorado, and establishment Democrats search for a message as the party's left flank gains momentum.

Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

Guest: Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner

Producer: Benji Englander

Articles Discussed:

POLITICO: Trump doubles down on SAVE America Act after Supreme Court loss on mail voting

The Hill: Trump calls housing bill ‘a yawn,’ concedes SAVE America Act unlikely to pass

The Hill: Johnson: Blocking House agenda over SAVE America Act is ‘self-defeating’

Fox Business: Trump, Mike Johnson eye SAVE America Act in reconciliation as House races toward recess

POLITICO: GOP infighting threatens critical defense bill

Washington Examiner: Inside Trump’s explosive meeting with Senate Republicans

Washington Examiner: New York socialist surge reveals warning signs for Schumer