●Dump Trump: While attractive for several reasons — significant portions of the electorate say they would never vote for him — this strategy has its downsides. For one, many voters will be turning out for the first time because of Trump. If you are a candidate in a heavily Democratic district or need a boost to tip the scales in your favor, it may not make political sense to shun the presidential nominee. Even if your strategy is to drill down for evangelical Christian conservatives, for example, embracing Trump may help you (see: Jerry Falwell Jr.’s Trump endorsement). But what if The Donald then goes off the deep end and forgets that the gospels are part of the Bible? Will any down-ticket candidate be able to ignore that? Trump’s lack of consistency on the issues, and even in the rhetoric he uses, makes him unpredictable. This has to give any candidate pause.

●Lone wolf: What does Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio) do in his critical state? If turnout among African Americans or those ages 18 to 25 falls off just a little from 2012 levels, Republicans can easily win the state. It may make sense for Portman to walk a delicate line and go his own way in the Buckeye State, without truly repudiating or embracing Trump. Will he be able to? You can bet Democrats will try to tie the Trump millstone around Portman’s neck. In today’s atmosphere of instant coverage and viral news, I’m not sure Republican candidates can avoid taking a stand on Trump.

●Cuddle Trump: I can think of dozens of Republican House (and a few Senate) candidates who relish the idea of Trump campaigning in their districts or states.