DALLAS (AP) " Republicans opened their highly unusual midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday afternoon, a "Trump-a-Palooza" that is putting the president at the center of this fall's midterm elections " whether the candidates running like it or not.

Many party members, including those facing tight races, are skipping the two-day affair, citing conflicting obligations or balking at demands that they pony up for access.

Others are hoping an appearance alongside President Donald Trump will put them in the national spotlight as they work to turn out his voters without him on the ballot.