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. 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. The vote was 37-10, senators said, with one other senator voting present. President Trump is well liked up here, Clary said. Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. 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. "Potential prospects down the road was a factor as we weighed the question of whether or not to seek another six-year term.". Even Sen. Mike Braun (Ind. But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. 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. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. 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. Sometimes in this current political environment, it can be a mixed blessing to have a member of the Republican leadership in the Senate come out in circumstances. "In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, that's an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time. 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.. As the second-highest-ranking person in leadership, to me hes the logical successor.. I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. "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. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. Samuel Corum/Getty Images 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. 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. 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. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. Theres a very simple answer: Yes. 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. 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). Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. And probably wont do that anytime in the immediate future.. John Thune presents a great image for our party. But in another respect, Romneys just like any politician: He wants to win. 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. Trump supported Murkowskis conservative challenger Kelly Tshibaka, but the incumbent stuck to the center amid her states new ranked-choice voting system and won by 7 points. The question confronting Senate Republicans now is: Which John? 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. When Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace him. 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. 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. 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. I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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? Under Scott, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the general election. John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success.. Webciccotti center program guide 2022; romantic things to do in hollywood, fl; where is hollis and nancy homestead located; houses to rent in nashville, tn under $800; middlesboro daily news arrests; top chef 2021 replay; what does malika mean in the bible. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. Now House Republicans are taking over, a potential roadblock to bipartisan legislation hatched by centrists that passes the Senate but divides Republicans. McConnell faces increased opposition from 2022 GOP Senate hopefuls. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) outside the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. 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. Severe Weather Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a 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. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. McConnell was elected to a seventh Senate term in 2020 by a nearly 20-point margin over Democrat Amy McGrath and won't be up for reelection until 2026. Both Sens. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) Link Copied! IE 11 is not supported. For McConnell, no Senate GOP challengers have emerged who could knock him off his perch in the body, so theres no immediate threat to his leadership position. In a statement posted to Twitter, Thune said he is uniquely positioned to serve South Dakota and be a strong and effective senator who can deliver the results they expect.. James Lankford of Oklahoma; Mike Lee of Utah; John Kennedy of Louisiana; John Boozman of Arkansas; Mike Crapo of Idaho; Chuck Grassley of Iowa; Lisa Murkowski of Alaska; John Hoeven of North Dakota; and Marco Rubio of Florida. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy. Trump tried toconvince South Dakota Gov. After one unsuccessful Senate bid in 2002, Thune knocked off the top Senate Democratic leader, Tom Daschle, in 2004. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. Even so, he may face opposition from his own party if he runs, with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes the most prominent possibility. hide caption. "We work hard in South Dakota, connect with the people in our state and always put their interest first, and I think they appreciate that. 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. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, thats an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time., Asked if anyone is jockeying behind the scenes for McConnells job, Braun said, theres none of that been exhibited that Ive observed.. McConnell's successful reelection bid in 2020 centered on how he helps his home state "punch above its weight" compared with heavy-hitters like California. 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 When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. In fact, McConnell noted in a January 2021 interview that he'd "still be one of the Big Four," saying: "When you end up in a big negotiation at the end of the year, each of the four of us have a veto power over what goes in and what doesn't.". Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who served six years as GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the current number-three Senate Republican leader, are also seen as potential contenders. It validates him as leader in a really big way. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". Thunes decision,which he had held off announcing after going past his end-of-year timeline, will likely bring a sigh of relief to Senate Republicans, who had grown increasingly alarmed that the 61-year-old senator would retire after 2022. on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. "I think he does a good job," he said. What do I want to accomplish? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally and former college football coach, said McConnell's doing a "good job," shrugging off the former president's scathing criticism of the leader. ), the No. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) McConnell says he will do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. McConnell has long stressed electability as the most important trait for his candidates. 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. While Trump has seemingly moved on from Thune, hes kept up a long-running, largely one-sided, feud with McConnell. 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. Hes wonderful to work with. The two have not only written laws together, but also spoofed Ted Lasso for Halloween. 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. and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. The Washington Post found a handful of other GOP candidates including Rep. Mo Brooks, the Trump-backed candidate in Alabama who were noncommittal, refusing to say whether they'd back McConnell or not. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. 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. Nov 16, 2022, 01:06 PM EST | Updated Nov 16, 2022. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) McConnell was elected to a seventh Senate term in 2020 by a nearly 20-point margin over Democrat Amy McGrath and won't be up for reelection until 2026. John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. So Im convinced that if I run, I win. News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. 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. 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. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. Hes not impulsive from anyway that I can tell, except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan. 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. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. 2022 MIDTERMS: WILL A RED WAVE OVERCOME A BLUE WALL? Hes served on diverse committees. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. or redistributed. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. 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. 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. 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. Yet if theres a favorite McConnell heir, no one is saying. Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said. 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. 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. As long as he is in the Senate, hes going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority, Braun said. 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. 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