If there is a Democratic wave and Trump loses in a landslide to Hillary Clinton, it will also wash out almost all of these endangered Republicans – no matter how hard they try to distinguish themselves from him.

If they really want to win in November, they need Trump to make it. Indeed, they need him way more than he needs them – Trump is not going to win or lose based on the endorsement or non-endorsement of a member of Congress. Indeed, Trump’s brand is based almost entirely on a complete and total repudiation of Washington and everyone in it.

Instead of looking to put distance between themselves and Trump, these Republicans need to find a way to capitalize on the energy and enthusiasm Trump has brought to certain demographics – particularly working class white people. The challenge for these Republicans – and the GOP in general that may be leery of some of Trump’s more outside-of-the-box proposals – is how to embrace part of the message without embracing all of it.

It’s a difficult needle to thread. It may be politically impossible. The sobering truth for many in the GOP is that control of the Senate, as well as possibly the House, rests entirely in the hands of Donald Trump. If Trump wins in November, once again defying the political odds, Republicans will undoubtedly maintain control in Washington. If, however, he loses badly, Republicans down ballot will pay the price as well.