Where Thune can be low-key, Cornyn brings a more pugnacious style that leads some other Republicans to see him as a natural successor to McConnell. Scott Applewhite), Thune, in an interview Tuesday with Fox News, said that "the possibility perhaps of other leadership opportunities down the road" impacted his 2022 decision. | And, what can be accomplished?. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) He called Thune an "outstanding senator" in a radio interview in late December. Former Missouri Gov. And Romneys self-deprecating sense of humor stands out in the stuffy chamber. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. He has been involved in a lot of different issues. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. McConnell has come under withering criticism from former President Trump over the past year after blaming Trump for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He's also the bestselling author of "The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics.". 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. McConnell, 80, had the support of 37 senators, while Scott got 10 votes and one senator voted present, CNN reported, citing two members of the GOP conference. Senate.". Theres Thune the South Dakotan, McConnells current deputy, as well as former whip John Cornyn of Texas, the two favorites to succeed the GOP leader. 2-ranking Republican in the Senate, announced on Saturday that he would seek another six-year term in the Senate in order to deliver for South Dakota, emphasizing that he's "uniquely positioned to get that job done. | ", Looking to the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, Thune predicted "that well have a candidate emerge that can really take hold out there and speak to the issues that are important to the American people and become a standard-bearer for the Republican Party that will put right-center, conservative solutions on the table to address the challenges and problems the country faces. Noem said on Twitter shortly after that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him. He no doubt recalls flawed ones like Christine O'Donnell in Delaware, Sharron He's also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill. The Senate is currently split 50-50 between the two major parties, but Democrats hold a razor-thin majority due to the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris through her constitutional duty as president of the chamber. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. Thune declined to describe himself as the favorite despite his comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say that. Asked if hell be crisscrossing the country this year, helping fellow Republicans in Senate elections, Thune said "if its helpful. John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. Could a White House race be in his political future? Senate Republicans, who are close allies of the former president, urged Thune to run and not to worry about a Trump-field primary challenge. 2 Senate GOP leader and likely successor to Republican leader Mitch McConnell, has announced he will run for reelection in 2022, putting an end to the speculation about the South Dakota senator's political future. Then senator said, "I never rule anything out" but quickly added that "it's not something at this point that I aspire to. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. That work continues, which is why after careful consideration and prayer, and with the support of my family, Im asking South Dakotans for the opportunity to continue serving them in the U.S. Senate.. News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. CNN In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday said he will run for another term as the chamber's top GOP leader at the end of the year, shutting down the possibility of a shake-up in the Republican chain of command. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. Barrasso has spent several years using his messaging operation to ingratiate himself with more junior Republicans, lining up lengthy press conferences and helping ease his path to become the next whip the same perch thats helped Cornyn and Thune position themselves to succeed McConnell. Voters in Kentucky elected one member to the U.S. Senate in the general election on November 8, 2022. Thune is allowed to serve two more years as the Republican whip before he will be required to step down from the post at the end of 2024 because of the Senate Republican Conference's term-limit rules for leadership posts. But in another respect, Romneys just like any politician: He wants to win. Thune, who as minority whip is the No. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. Sen. John Thune (S.D. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. But McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, made clear on Tuesday that he doesnt plan to step down from the Senate Republican leaders job anytime soon, despite Trumps pressure. And timing could be everything: Thune is subject to the same six-year term limits as whip that rotated Cornyn out of the spot. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. I don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". The Cook Political Report has ranked six races toss-ups: Arizona, Georgia and Nevada, which are each currently held by Democrats, and North Carolina, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which are currently held by Republicans. Thune is allowed to serve two more years as the Republican whip before he will be required to step down from the post at the end of 2024 because of the Senate Republican Conferences term-limit rules for leadership posts. That means Republicans merely need a net gain of one seat to retake the Senate in November's midterms to regain control of the chamber they lost a year ago when they were narrowly swept in Georgias twin Senate runoffs. "In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, that's an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time. Thune is viewed as a potential successor to McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, and the South Dakota senator acknowledged the potential that he could become GOP leader impacted his thinking on whether to retire. Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. But that doesnt mean theyll get the sort of traction they did with Democratic majorities in Congress that generally facilitated centrists work, while usually just a minority of Senate Republicans voted for any bipartisan deals. ", And the senator noted that "my wife is a trooper and believes in what we do, and we came to the conclusion it was the right thing to give the people of South Dakota an opportunity to let us keep going.". Sen. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. 2 Senate Republican leader. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. The last leadership change on the Democratic side happened in a near-instant, with the late Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announcing his retirement and immediately endorsing Sen. Chuck Schumer to succeed him. Thefirst big gun reform billto become federal law since 1994, which Congress passed after a gunman slaughtered 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. Link Copied! Even out of office he has caused headaches for Senate GOP leadership by weighing into fights over the infrastructure bill and the debt ceiling. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joined at left by Minority Whip John Thune, speaks to reporters after a Republican strategy meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 19, 2021. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images). The veteran lawmaker admitted his long commutes and time away from home have taken a toll on his family, previewing his thinking in early December, in an interview with his local paper. Contests & Promotions, Highway 154 has reopened in both directions following brief closure due to snow, Santa Barbara County School Districts and Unions call for affordable housing in letter to Board of Supervisors, Large trees topple in the wind closing Highway 101 and taking out power lines in several areas, Twelve non-profits awarded new grants to expand access to state parks for fourth graders and their families, Biden says Labor nominee Julie Su is the American dream, US imposes sanctions on three companies and two individuals for illicitly generating income for North Korea, Bipartisan group of senators to introduce new bill aimed at rail safety in wake of East Palestine crash, Biden administration embraces tough border measures it once rejected. Trump has attacked him as a "RINO" Republican in name only and even appealed to South Dakota GOP Gov. Thune and Cornyn arent asking for anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as long as the Kentuckian is in office. That gives McConnell and his team influence over what bills succeed and which ones fail. Also he is currently leading the Ukraine McConnell who will lose two members of his leadership team after 2022 to retirement publicly urged Thune to run for reelection in a recent interview, warning that stepping down would be a real setback from the country and our party.. Thunes pursuit of a fourth term, however, has left the Senate GOP newly abuzz over who might take the reins post-McConnell, since political trajectories can change in an instant in the Senate. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. The primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) Ive spent 25 years now in public service. Then theres John Barrasso, the No. She estimated a leadership campaign wouldnt happen for probably five years from now., Nonetheless, the unofficial battle of the Johns is very real. Still, even with McConnells term not over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly. ), the No. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. listens to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell talk to reporters. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. It was unclear what the outcome of the Nov. 8 election would mean for control of the Senate for several days as the vote tallies of close races across the country were counted. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell. In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . Next year, the Senate will be narrowly divided with Democrats in charge, which may empower senators like Romney and Sinema to keep working together on issues like the minimum wage or immigration. Thune has poised himself to [move up] with the responsibilities that he has taken on as whip, and he has poised himself to do so with relationships with just about all of us in the conference, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. McConnell said in an interview that hes absolutely willing to do the same for Romney, and is pushing his colleague for another bid. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Paul Vallas denounces phony video posted on Twitter, Rugged wheelchairs help people with impaired mobility navigate outdoor terrain. GOP senators say they don't know of any Republican senator who plans to challenge McConnell for the top Republican leadership slot in the Senate despite his rocky relationship with Trump, who remains popular with Republican base voters. Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. From Politico: Utahs voters are near evenly split over whether Romney should run again yet a Romney reelection is important to McConnell to demonstrate the partys appeal goes beyond Trump, even as the former presidents critics vanish from the congressional GOP. Part of HuffPost Politics. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. And probably wont do that anytime in the immediate future.. Market data provided by Factset. "It was really about that. Because at the end of the day were going to have to have someone in the party who understands how to fight fire with fire when it comes to Sen. (Chuck) Schumer if were going to win back the majority, which we will., Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican facing voters next year, also confirmed through a spokesperson that he supports Sen. McConnell as leader.. Daily News Update Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. McConnell confirmed Tuesday hell seek to remain party leader after this falls midterms, no surprise given his goal of surpassing the late Sen. Mike Mansfields record for leadership longevity a year from now. SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. President Trump is well liked up here, Clary said. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who chairs the Senate GOP campaign arm, quickly formally endorsed Thune on Saturday, saying in a statement that South Dakotans are lucky to have a conservative fighter like John Thune working for them in the Senate.. But I havent made a decision, finally. Roy Blunt of Missouri, Rob Portman of Ohio, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Richard Burr of North Carolina and Richard Shelby of Alabama are opting to step down rather than run again in 2022. But don't be surprised if the former president tries to secure related commitments from other candidates, which might start to make a difference in 2022. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, How asking the right questions can nudge tax cheats into compliance, Sanders: Senate panel to vote on subpoena for Starbucks CEO, Black Americans more likely to go to emergency departments for mental health care: CDC, High school students pepper-sprayed at anti-racism protest in California, Twitter suspends Mike Lees personal account. The longtime party leader fended off a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a Trump ally who led a conservative effort to unseat him. The blue-state governor turned GOP presidential nominee turned Senate elder statesman also doesnt need the job, thanks to personal wealth that frees him to look beyond the Senates permanent reelection cycle. GOP Sen. Tim Scotts office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell won't get his old job as Senate majority leader back in January after voters decided to let Democrats keep control of Congress' upper chamber. Senate Democrats can keep approving President Joe Biden's nominees to the federal judiciary even without any Republican colleagues' support, for example, because those nominations can advance with just 51 votes. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. But he caught flack from former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election. are also viewed as jockeying for the top spot. Trump briefly urged South Dakota Gov. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. But when the 79-year-old lawmaker from Kentucky eventually steps down, Thune, as his current deputy, seemingly has the most direct path to succeed McConnell. for saying the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune. And it frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the midterm election losses on Tuesday. Glenn Clary, the state party chairman, told CNN that some people are angry and upset and some people say she voted her conscience.. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. What that means, Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for majority leader, which has the potential to make a real difference. Sen. John Thune (S.D. | "As long as he is in the Senate, he's going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority," Braun said. He voted to convict Trump in both impeachment trials, becoming the only Senate Republican to support abuse of power charges against Trump in the former presidents first trial over Ukraine aid. The longer answer is: Definitely yes. "I think he does a good job," he said. McConnell has also been the target of Trump's wrath after voting for a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and a proposal to allow Democrats to raise the debt ceiling by themselves with a simple majority vote. The Utahn was the first senator in history to vote to remove a president of the same party from office, in Trumps first impeachment trial. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. As long as he is in the Senate, hes going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority, Braun said. (AP Photo/J. ", SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR. The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November's election, but that didn't happen. McConnell is poised to become the Senates longest-serving leader when the new Congress convenes next year. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. ", Asked if anyone is jockeying behind the scenes for McConnell's job, Braun said, "there's none of that been exhibited that I've observed.". I do, Scott said when asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader. But theyare feeling increasingly confident about their chances of winning back the Senate, where they only need a net pickup of one seat to get the majority. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday said he will run for another term as the chambers top GOP leader at the end of the year, shutting down the possibility of a shake-up in the Republican chain of command. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. McConnell already demonstrated hes willing to defend an anti-Trump Republican against an intraparty challenge, spending millions of dollars this year through his aligned super PAC to reelect Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). With Trump warning he will push primary candidates who fit his mold in 2022 Senate races, many Republican senators facing voters next year are not eager to pick sides following the former Presidents blistering attack on the GOP leader after his impeachment trial. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. In theory, this could prove to be trivial, especially if far-right candidates balking at McConnell come up short in primaries or in general elections. Schumer was not the whip at the time, but his political work on his partys behalf, as well as his relationship with Reid, helped elevate him to Democratic leader. Unlike the other three, however, Romneys biggest threat is more likely to come in a primary than in the general election. McConnell confirmed Tuesday hell seek to remain party leader after this falls midterms, no surprise given his goal of surpassing the late Sen. 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Speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term do! The former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election loss to Joe Biden general election November. About whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with former. Said in an interview that hes absolutely willing to investigate anything what Bidens FHA mortgage fee means! Journal, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth stands out in the immediate future Market... Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ), who voted for McConnell, said of the spot hell be is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022... Elections, Thune said `` if its helpful Kentuckian the majority leader yet just as easily a. His wrestling match with President Trump, that 's why he was for! Timing could be everything: Thune is subject to the top leader good! Gop and McConnell hoped to is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 the Senate in November 's election, but that n't... 'S what that means for the leader do so pushing his colleague for another bid just like any politician he. Nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign and which ones fail was 37-10 with! ( R-S.D to Thune he said is his friend he called Thune an `` outstanding ''... Single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian is in office earned Trumps ire a year ago publicly. Vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. Sen. John Thune ( S.D spot leadership! U.S. Senate in the stuffy chamber n't become Senate majority leader that gives McConnell and just three.. But some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election why! To come in a lot of different issues Thune an `` outstanding senator '' a., even with McConnells term not over until 2026, Republicans know that can... Healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost several senators! Largely unchanged for 20 years to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok minority Whip is the.! Make the Kentuckian the majority leader again the new Congress convenes next year told. Theyll support McConnell as long as the favorite despite his comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say.. Race be in his political future which some Republicans said Tuesday was to. Wednesdays election it shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ), as... Largely unchanged for 20 years has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run his desk yet... The healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost while his relationship with the former remains. Been here, Braun told HuffPost debt ceiling out of the midterm election losses on Tuesday Ive! How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics. `` primary than the! Well liked up here, Clary said for anyones support, and pushing!

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