Cook Political Report announced a rating change that moves Nebraska’s Second District from “Likely Republican” to “Toss Up,” making this seat one of only five in the entire country that is held by an incumbent Republican running for re-election with this rating. The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan publication that analyzes elections and ranks top congressional races nationwide.

Cook notes that “multiple private surveys taken by both parties now show him [Bacon] tied with or trailing more moderate Democratic state Sen. Tony Vargas.”

An internal polling memo released by the Vargas campaign last month shows Vargas leading Bacon 48-47 in a head-to-head match-up, including a 9 point lead with Independent voters. The memo also highlights Bacon’s weak personal standing with voters, especially with women from across the political spectrum who find his extremist views on abortion rights very problematic.

Cook’s story highlights Bacon’s opposition to abortion without exceptions for abortions, even in cases of rape, incest, and a mother’s life. Bacon is also currently a co-sponsor on a bill that completely bans abortions nationwide, with no exceptions.

Vargas released the following statement:

“This is a major national development in this race, but it only confirms what Nebraska voters already know – that Don Bacon is no longer the right person to represent this district. It’s clear that Nebraskans want new leadership that puts people over party politics. In the last 6 years, my opponent has completely abandoned his constituents to do the bidding of his party bosses and special interest donors, voting against keeping gas prices affordable and controlling inflation, bipartisan gun safety reform measures, and supporting extreme bans that put the government in the middle of medical decisions that should be left to women and their doctors.

Original source can be found here.