It’s official: Longtime Republican strategist Steve Schmidt is a Democrat. He told “Battleground” podcast co-host David Plouffe Monday night that he’ll change his party affiliation. ... Schmidt has enjoyed a long career in Republican electoral politics. He ran day-to-day operations for John McCain’s failed presidential effort in 2008, served as communications director for Lamar Alexander’s failed presidential primary bid in 1999, directed communications for Matt Fong’s failed California Senate race in 1998, and that same year headed up Tim Leslie’s failed attempt to become Lt. Governor of California. In 1995, Schmidt managed the failed campaign of Will Scott for Kentucky...