Republican Governors Gather Amid Party Setbacks, Turmoil

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Republicans who control two-thirds of the nation's governorships are gathering in America's largest red state, in part to strategize about how to maintain their political dominance.

But electoral defeats last week, unfulfilled congressional promises and President Donald Trump's plummeting popularity have some attendees concerned about a shifting political landscape.

Vice President Mike Pence will be the keynote speaker during the two-day gathering of the Republican Governors Association, which kicks off Wednesday in Austin, Texas.

Some of the former Indiana governor's ex-colleagues may need a pep talk. Just as some Democrats facing tight midterm elections once shied away from President Barack Obama, there might now be Republicans tempted to tip-toe away from their party's leadership.

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