The Note: Arizona's special election a test for GOP

The TAKE with Rick Klein

Nothing comes easy in the Trump era, as officeholders and strategists in both parties can attest.

So it is that Tuesday’s special election for a House seat in Maricopa County, Ariz. – Joe Arpaio, Trump-by-20, and retiree-heavy territory – has made Republicans worry just a little bit more than they’d like.

If the GOP holds the seat previously held by former Rep. Trent Franks, the race may be little remembered in the wake of Democratic upsets by Sen. Doug Jones and Rep. Conor Lamb.

Yet it could provide a dose of stability for a GOP that’s looking for hopeful signs. Democrat Hiral Tiperneni, a doctor, isn’t running away from the national party; neither is Republican Debbie Lesko, making for a race with clear contrasts on immigration, health care, and questions of how to handle President Donald Trump and his agenda.

The biggest question in a district like this is likely to be – and should be – how much the Republican wins by. But if there’s a Democrat on top at the end of the night, the GOP’s floor for November will look lower than ever.

The RUNDOWN with MaryAlice Parks

It’s all fun and bromance, except an Iran deal is on the line.

There may be cherry blossoms and a cream and gold color scheme at the ready for the Trumps’ first state dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron, but beyond the pomp will be tough negotiating, too. The circumstances are too serious for anything else.

Trump and Macron say they share a special bond. They enjoy each other’s company. That doesn’t mean their relationship is not still transactional. In politics, most have to be, and when folks are dealing with President Trump that's even more likely.

While there have been big smiles, long handshakes and memorable Parisian diners between the two heads of state, the last 15 months included plenty of tension between the two nations, too, as President Trump yanked the country out of international agreements and threatened to overturn others.

Macron and his wife spent Monday looking at monuments on the National Mall, perhaps remembering the storied past between the two countries and wondering if the future includes a partnership - or not.

The TIP with Mariam Khan and Mary Bruce

For Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, it came down to honor and friendship.

For Sen. Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican, it made him cry.

CIA director Mike Pompeo's Foreign Relations Committee recommendation for secretary of state was hanging in the balance - the vote was dead even at 10-10.

Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia had been forced to miss the vote - he was delivering a eulogy at his best friend's funeral. He wouldn't make it back to Capitol Hill until midnight. The entire committee would have to stay late.

But then Coons changed his vote from "nay" to "present," allowing Pompeo's nomination to proceed with a favorable report.

"Johnny had an exceptionally difficult day," Coons said afterwards. He said Isakson had called him and asked him to vote "present."

"He is someone I deeply respect and admire. We have very different views but we work well together," Coons said. "I was happy to do that for a friend."

"I particularly want to thank Senator Coons for displaying statesmanship," Corker said, his voice shaking with emotion.

"I'm proud of him. I'm proud of our committee. I'm happy for the American people, he said. "I think it shows that senators, at the right time, can do outstanding things."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY

“Having received assurances from President Trump and Director Pompeo that he agrees with the President on these important issues, I have decided to support his nomination to be our next Secretary of State.” — Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, whose last-minute switch to "yes" gave CIA director Mike Pompeo enough votes to get a favorable recommendation from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Monday.

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Arizona special election another test for GOP in Trump country. Voters will head to the polls today in Arizona's 8th Congressional District, a deep red district where a solid performance by the Democrat would be yet another sign of the party's growing strength ahead of a contentious and competitive election in November. (Emily Goodin, John Verhovek and Soo Rin Kim) https://abcn.ws/2HD8gnu

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