It validates him as leader in a really big way. Ive spent 25 years now in public service. Several high-profile Trump-backed Senate candidates lost last week, including Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania, Don Bolduc in New Hampshire, Blake Masters in Arizona and Adam Laxalt in Nevada. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost. 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. I dont own this job, McConnell said afterward. 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 was elected to the House in 1996 and served three terms there. 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). Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. Their lack of response doesnt mean that McConnell is at risk of losing his spot atop the Senate GOP Conference, a position hes enjoyed longer than any other Republican senator in history. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. We underperformed among independents and moderates because their impression of many of the people in our party, in leadership roles, is that theyre causing chaos, negativity, excessive attacks. Sen. Thune rose quickly through the ranks in the chamber and has held multiple leadership posts. Glenn Clary, the state party chairman, told CNN that some people are angry and upset and some people say she voted her conscience.. 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. 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.. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. 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. I do, Scott said when asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader. McConnell-allied groups took the opposite tack, seeking initially to boost more traditional establishment-type Republicans. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. 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. Breaking News on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. Hes great. Follow her on Twitter: @morganwatkins26. 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. Cornyn has as well. 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. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. The other GOP senators who did not respond: Sens. Two recent filibuster exceptions expose lie of filibuster as insurmountable hurdle, determined to oust him from his leadership post, Why Mark Meadows' use of personal email accounts matters, The scope of Trumps failed Iran policy comes into sharper focus. But Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is running for reelection as governor. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. 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. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which oversees the Senate GOPs campaigns, argued in a letter to colleagues that they need to start being far more bold and resolute than we have been in the past. Still, even with McConnells term not over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. You know, Im 75, Romney said. He hinted his wife's preference was that he retire. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022. The vote was 37-10, senators said, with one other senator voting present. Some senators think McConnells set to stay around as leader until the end of his Senate career, regardless of Trumps relentless attacks on him and calls for new leadership. Sen. John Thune questions U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai as she testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 12, 2021. Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Hes a key player in the Senates centrist negotiating groups that have helped craft new laws on infrastructure, gun safety and marriage equality and he wants to continue that style of work as long as hes a senator. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. or redistributed. 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 joined the House of Representatives in 1997 and, after an initial Senate bid in 2002, sent a lightning bolt through Washington when he defeated then-Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in 2004 in what was the most expensive race of the cycle. Thune mulled for nearly a year on whether to run for a fourth term representing South Dakota. If youre going to assess blame for election losses, I dont know how you trade in the leader for the chairman of the NRSC, Cramer mused to reporters on Tuesday. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. But its a clear sign that Republicans are eager to avoid being caught in the middle of a divisive fight over Trumps role in the party after McConnell accused Trump of a disgraceful dereliction of duty and being responsible for the deadly January 6 riot, despite the GOP leaders vote to acquit Trump on the contention that trying a former president is unconstitutional. Among the many Republican senators who did not respond when asked whether they still support McConnell were his Kentucky colleague, Sen. Rand Paul, and Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, whos been sharply critical of the GOP leader in recent radio interviews following McConnells remarks on the Senate floor. Many of Mitt Romneys fellow senators assume his willingness to break from his party and Donald Trump means hes planning for only one term. McConnell had lobbied his second-in-command to run for reelection in the solidly red state where Thune enjoys broad support. 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. After one unsuccessful Senate bid in 2002, Thune knocked off the top Senate Democratic leader, Tom Daschle, in 2004. Thune and Cornyn arent asking for anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as long as the Kentuckian is in office. Thune has kept a tight lid on his thinking about his own reelection bid for months, despite routine peppering by reporters about whether he was running again in 2022. 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. Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? His` larger ambitions aside, the Florida Republican just oversaw a series of humiliating Senate GOP defeats in the midterm elections, with candidate quality being a serious problem. | Theres a very simple answer: Yes. A vote to delay the leadership elections until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16. I hope by the time Mitt really gets into full swing on the campaign, were not talking about the influence of Donald Trump, said Murkowski, who is encouraging Romney to run again. Thats the nature of Utah politics, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) of the states strange dynamics. He likes winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The New York Times. DeSantis pushes for dismissal of lawsuit brought by migrants sent to Marthas Feehery: Progressive DC government turning city into a dystopia, Vance pitches PPP for Ohio while other Republicans say to wait, The shepherd boy, the wolf and the threat to Israeli democracy, Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "In the end it came down to this is where you can make a difference and I cant think of a more important time right now to be in the arena," he explained. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) questions U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco as she testifies on renewing and strengthening the Violence Against Women Act during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on October 05, 2021 in Washington, DC. Hes wonderful to work with. The two have not only written laws together, but also spoofed Ted Lasso for Halloween. 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.. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. McConnell was elected to a seventh Senate term in 2020 by a nearly 20-point margin over Democrat Amy McGrath and wont be up for reelection until 2026. GOP Sen. Tim Scotts office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images). 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 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. NBC News reported late yesterday: A Republican running with former President Donald Trump's support to unseat Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Monday that she would not vote for Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for another term as the Senate's GOP leader. "When I defeat Murkowski and become Alaska's next U.S. senator, I will not support Mitch McConnell as leader," [Kelly Tshibaka said in a written statement]. also backed another Romney run and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans. When Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace him. We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. THE SIX BIGGEST CAMPAIGN QUESTIONS OF 2022, Thune noted that "the overall political landscape, political environment, that youre in" weighed on his electoral decision and acknowledged that Trumps continued dominance within the GOP "plays into the things that were going to be able to do around here is certainly a factor. CNN On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell went public with what has long been suspected: He has no plans to leave the Senate even if his party loses its majority in November. But despite Trumps previous anger, Thune appears likely to win reelection and has $14,839,846.75 cash on hand in his campaign account as of the last fundraising quarter. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. Republicans are defending 20 seats during the 2022 midterm elections, including five open seats where Sens. 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. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. We got a lot of legislation of significant nature through, Romney said in the interview. News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. But Cornyn, 69, brings his own formidable resume: He ran the National Republican Senatorial Committee for two cycles, served as whip for six years and is still a McConnell confidante at the leaders table of advisers. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. Legal Statement. Samuel Corum/Getty Images (AP Photo/J. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. While the lack of response from GOP senators over McConnell underscores the awkward spot Republicans find themselves in, some made clear they are behind the Senate Republican leader. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. 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. "I think he does a good job," he said. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said. McConnell says he will do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds. They dont see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Mitch McConnell wont become Senate majority leader again. What that means for his power Mitch McConnell wont become Senate majority leader again. What that means for his power U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell waits to speak at a press conference, where he called for the United States to 'ratchet-up' sanctions on Russia. Feb. 24, 2022 Trump is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party. nears the finish line on new track at Freedom Field, Amazon's Daisy Jones & the Six Is the Latest in a Long Line of Embarrassing Portraits of Musical Genius. The 61-year-old Thune, a former congressman who defeated then-Senate Democratic leader Sen. Tom Daschle in 2004, could have some competition down the road in the race to succeed McConnell. ), the No. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Republican senators say none of McConnells possible heirs apparent neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) McConnell faces increased opposition from 2022 GOP Senate hopefuls. McConnell has also been the target of Trumps 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. For instance, he backed two particularly notable bipartisan laws since 2021: The $1.2 trillionbipartisan infrastructure law, which is expected to sendat least $4.6 billion to Kentucky. Thanks to the filibuster a 60-vote threshold senators must meet to advance most bills Democrats need support from several Republicans, at least, to pass plenty of proposals. Sen. John Thune speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2021. "That work continues, which is why after careful consideration and prayer, and with the support of my family, I'm asking South Dakotans for the opportunity to continue serving them in the U.S. He listened and was receptive to the folks that he knows probably voted against him. But he made clear that Trump still has deep support among the party faithful. With polls showing the wind at Republicans' backs, and with Democrats holding onto barely existent majorities in both chambers on Capitol Hill, folks like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have reason to be optimistic about the 2022 midterms. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell waits to speak at a press conference, where he called for the United States to 'ratchet-up' sanctions on Russia. Though Mitch McConnell has revealed about backing Trump for the 2024 presidential election, he has not confirmed about his re-election in 2022. Mitch McConnell is a U.S. Senate Republican Leader. I dont see Mitch McConnell relinquishing his leadership post prior to some future decision not to run for reelection, Collins said. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. I don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". People assumed that Mitch McConnell will be up for re-election in 2022 following his election in 2020, which he won. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy. Trump tried toconvince South Dakota Gov. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. The conference members then voted for McConnell to lead them again, which will make him the longest-serving Senate party leader when the new Congress convenes in January. All rights reserved. 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 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. John Cornyn (Texas), the former GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) 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. As whip, Thune has the clearest path to the job in the eyes of some Republicans until he is term-limited out of his job in 2025. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. Link Copied! Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says the eventual possibility of succeeding longtime Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell in steering Republicans in the chamber was "a factor" in his decision to run for reelection this year. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. But before he starts preparing to change offices, it's worth noting that some of the Republicans running for the Senate next year say they have no intention of supporting McConnell in 2023. Whether he could win is frankly, not a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! And though she said Cornyn and Barrasso would do a very good job, shes one of the few GOP senators willing to weigh in on the shadow leadership race. Im running for the US Senate to stand up for you, just like when I stood next to President Trump and supported his American First agenda, said Jane Timken, the former chair of the Ohio Republican Party who announced Thursday she would seek the states open Senate seat in 2022. Bid in 2002, Thune knocked off the top Senate Democratic leader, Tom Daschle, in,... 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