By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. CNN In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . They don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.". Could a White House race be in his political future? Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally and former college football coach, said McConnells doing a good job, shrugging off the former presidents scathing criticism of the leader. hide caption. McConnell, meanwhile, has clashed with the former president, who in turn has responded by calling for McConnells impeachment. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from. "She is done with it," he said. Instead, the former president this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. What will it take to close it? It was the most uncharacteristic move for McConnell, said one GOP source close to the Senate Republican leader. 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. He no doubt recalls flawed ones like Christine O'Donnell in Delaware, Sharron Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for 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. Just because McConnell can still lead filibusters of legislation doesn't mean he'll stymie everything. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. As the second-highest-ranking person in leadership, to me hes the logical successor.. The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. Thune, who as minority whip is the No. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. And Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who's willing to put money behind it, is among the top Republicans urging the Utahn to seek another term. Tuberville said he thinks McConnell as compiled a good record over the past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership. Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! 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. I have a hard time seeing how they get out of the hole by next November., THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Sen. John Thune touts GOP victories as 'response to the Biden agenda', New Orleans mayor recall organizers score deal that could lower signature requirement, Jeffries warns against 'xenophobic activity' from 'MAGA Republicans' as House China Select Committee kicks off, Sen. Mike Lee suspended by Twitter, 'seeking answers', Massachusetts Gov. John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success.. ), the No. 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. But McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, made clear on Tuesday that he doesn't plan to step down from the Senate Republican leader's job anytime soon, despite Trump's pressure. Also he is currently leading the Ukraine They dont see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. While many Republican senators share McConnells view, others do not and are frustrated with the GOP leader for condemning the former President in harsh terms, arguing his comments have put them in a complicated position. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. Thune and Cornyn arent asking for anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as long as the Kentuckian is in office. 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But it's not as if Barack Obama was actively involved in a campaign to destroy Schumer. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. Hes great. Now House Republicans are taking over, a potential roadblock to bipartisan legislation hatched by centrists that passes the Senate but divides Republicans. When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. However, Democratsclinched the majoritywhen Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, America's first-ever Latina senator, won her highly competitive reelection bid. We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. The election filled the Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul (R), who first took office in 2011. 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. He shared that being in the nations capital and far from his home state 35-40 weeks a year "presents challenges from a family standpoint, personal standpoint.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Under Scott, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the general election. And as Cornyn put it: I try to always be prepared., Sen. Mike Mansfields record for leadership longevity, agonized for nearly a year over running again, last leadership change on the Democratic side happened, massive financial transfers to the party committee. That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. 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. Legal Statement. 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. Beyond the electoral math, theres another factor for Romney to consider: Just what can the Senate do during the next two years of divided government? 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 in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) 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. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. It wasn't just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune's political future in the Senate but family considerations as well. As long as he is in the Senate, hes going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority, Braun said. "Potential prospects down the road was a factor as we weighed the question of whether or not to seek another six-year term.". His clout isn't as strong as it was when he was majority leader, but it's still consequential, including when it comes to delivering government funds to Kentucky. Todd Young of Indiana and Roy Blunt of Missouri, who are close with the GOP leader, did not respond to inquiries and may be wary themselves of inviting a possible primary challenger if they anger the former President. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for reelection in 2022. WebThe Trump Archive collects TV news shows containing debates, speeches, rallies, and other broadcasts related to Donald Trump, before, during and after his presidency. Hopefully we get the majority back and at some point nobody knows when exactly that might be in the future there probably will be some opportunities. He has consistently avoided answering questions about his relationship with Trump by saying he's focused on fighting President Biden's multi-trillion-dollar agenda in Congress and helping Republicans win back the Senate majority in 2022. 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. What that means, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. Scott was a curious choice for taking on McConnell. Weather Forecast Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost. ), the No. Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo, Thune agonized for nearly a year over running again, a choice complicated by former President Donald Trumps attacks on him for dismissing Trumps efforts to challenge Joe Bidens win. Once McConnell would make his mind up one way or the other, Im sure there would be a jockeying for that would become quite apparent, he said. Its a unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are, and its not really influenced by outside influences. The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November's election, but that didn't happen. Though GOP senators expressed confidence earlier this year that he would run, Thune set off alarm bells within the caucus when he told a South Dakota publication that his wife was ready for him to call it quits. TWO REPUBLICANS JUMP INTO SENATE RACE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. 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 Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. (AP Photo/J. In all likelihood, McConnell didn't respond to her statement with any real concern, in part because Murkowski is still favored to win re-election, and in part because he doesn't have any real rivals in the Senate GOP conference. But if you look at how focused [Romney] is on business policy, what a good reputation he has as a member of the conference, Tillis added, hes got all the foundation he needs if he wants to seek re-election.. 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. The "America First" reference was not accidental: Tshibaka is backed by Donald Trump, who's repeatedly vowed to defeat Murkowski for failing to show him sufficient loyalty. But over the past year hes also found himself at odds with former President Trump because of the former presidents push for GOP lawmakers to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which Trump and some of his closest allies have falsely claimed was rigged or stolen., Thune warned that a long-shot effort to throw out the Electoral College results in Congress would go down like a shot dog.. And, what can be accomplished?. Even so, he may face opposition from his own party if he runs, with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes the most prominent possibility. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Romney said he needs to see how that feels in the coming months as he considers whether to test his brand of politics one more time. 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. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. McConnell faces increased opposition from 2022 GOP Senate hopefuls. Hes been a really important part of our conference. Kristi Noem, a close ally of the former president, to launch a primary challenge against Thune. The South Dakotan usually sides with his leadership but broke with McConnell and voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill this fall. Mitt Romney said he needs to see how that feels in the coming months as he considers whether to test his brand of politics one more time. "Once McConnell would make his mind up one way or the other, I'm sure there would be a jockeying for that would become quite apparent," he said. 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Then senator said, "I never rule anything out" but quickly added that "it's not something at this point that I aspire to. But it's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan isn't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell. The decision by Senate Minority Whip John Thune to run for reelection sets up an intricate shuffle among a trio of Republicans named John to succeed McConnell. Even out of office he has caused headaches for Senate GOP leadership by weighing into fights over the infrastructure bill and the debt ceiling. | The other GOP senators who did not respond: Sens. 3 Senate GOP leader whom Republicans believe is likely to ascend to the whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell. Link Copied! But in another respect, Romneys just like any politician: He wants to win. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. "It's kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. That means McConnell, whom Senate Republicans kept as their top official, remains Senate minority leader a leadership role he got demoted to in January 2021 after Democrats won a razor-thin majority. 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. Im going to be running again for leader later this year, he told reporters Tuesday when asked how long he plans to hold onto his job. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. "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. Trump is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Westown Association announces Milwaukee Night Market dates, FlyDubai announces record profit as Gulf air travel booms, Southeast's S.P.A.C.E. Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. What's more, there have been similar intra-party disputes in Democratic politics that didn't amount to much: Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema, for example, said she wouldn't support New York's Chuck Schumer for Democratic leader, which proved inconsequential when he ran unopposed. 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Even after the senator announced his reelection run its the demand-side, stupid maintain a fierce grip on the mishandling... 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign to Schumer. Republicans JUMP into Senate race in KEY BATTLEGROUND of NEW HAMPSHIRE backing from McConnell Trump is with!