Socialist insurgents eye Midwest gains as Dem civil war threatens must-hold Senate seat

The power of President Donald Trump's endorsements in GOP primaries faces new tests Tuesday in key nomination battles.

DETROIT, MI - The high-stakes fight between the left-wing and the center-left establishment for the future of the Democratic Party is front-and-center on Tuesday in Michigan's primary.

Boosted by a string of victories this spring in mostly blue congressional districts across the country, the Democrats' ideological war moves to the Great Lakes battleground state, where progressive victories could reshape the party and endanger must-hold seats in the midterm elections.

Also at stake as Michigan joins Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and Washington State in holding mid-summer primaries is President Donald Trump's immense clout over the GOP and the power of his endorsements in Republican nominating contests.

Over $80 million has been spent on the primary showdown, making it the most expensive Democratic Senate nomination race in history.

Mike Rogers, on El-Sayed: They are very radical, and they are way too extreme for Michigan. I mean, Abdul, he has his own special sauce of crazy.

El-Sayed: Endorsements don't vote. People vote.

El-Sayed: If you need $70 million to come in here and help get you elected.

Stevens: I am the best Democrat to go forward.

Stevens: Let's make sure that anyone but Mike Rogers gets to the United States Senate.

Adam Green, Progressive Change Campaign Committee: This is ground zero in the battle for the future of the Democratic Party.

Matt Bennett, Third Way: the first time the left is competing for a swing seat.