3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 10
Summary
Two Republican Senate campaigns — Mike Rogers in Michigan and Dan Sullivan in Alaska — criticized President Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel, exposing party divisions in key midterm races.
Trump announced the deal with Vladimir Putin to curb surging diesel costs, which have climbed as the war with Iran disrupted a vital oil-shipping corridor and turned energy prices into a campaign liability.
Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican from a battleground House district, called the arrangement a “grave error,” arguing it undercuts sanctions on Moscow, would do little to lower prices and makes the party look desperate.
Other competitive-race Republicans largely stayed quiet, though Anna Paulina Luna backed the move, saying it would “massively benefit” Americans.
The dispute leaves Republicans balancing pressure to cut fuel costs against the political and strategic fallout of easing pressure on Russia while it remains under U.S. sanctions.