We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. People respect his intelligence, his assessment of the era we find ourselves in. 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. HuffPost's top politics stories, straight to your inbox. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from. "It's kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. Link Copied! 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.. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022. 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. Scott was a curious choice for taking on McConnell. Many of Mitt Romneys fellow senators assume his willingness to break from his party and Donald Trump means hes planning for only one term. The great thing for us is, you have a couple of really exceptional individuals that can step up if McConnell decides to step out.. 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.. Even Sen. Mike Braun (Ind. 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. 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 on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. 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. That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. 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. "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. What do I want to accomplish? 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. He no doubt recalls flawed ones like Christine O'Donnell in Delaware, Sharron McConnell says he will do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) 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. 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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell gives a thumbs-up as he leaves a meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. 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. He called Thune an "outstanding senator" in a radio interview in late December. 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.. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Roy Blunt (R-Mo. 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. 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. Yet if theres a favorite McConnell heir, no one is saying. 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. 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. or redistributed. Sen. John Thune (S.D. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. 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. 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. 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. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". All rights reserved. But in another respect, Romneys just like any politician: He wants to win. 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. They don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.". I look forward to earning the support of all South Dakotans in the 2022 election for Senate, he continued. Cornyn said Thune is a very important part of our conference and has a lot to offer, while underscoring that a reelection run is a separate question than who succeeds McConnell. 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. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. What will it take to close it? And, what can be accomplished?. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. The vote was 37-10, senators said, with one other senator voting present. Thune and Cornyn are best-positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the mix too. 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. Eric Greitens, another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, also said a few months ago that he wouldn't support McConnell, either. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. That is something Id like to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the Senate GOPs top spot. 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. 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 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. I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. It wasn't just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune's political future in the Senate but family considerations as well. for saying the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images). "I have not heard anybody say anything negative," he added. Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? 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. He likes winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The New York Times. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. 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.. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. 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. Market data provided by Factset. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. ", 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.". Trump has attacked him as a "RINO" Republican in name only and even appealed to South Dakota GOP Gov. Its not like anybody figured wed have a new leader, but someone had to step up and make the statement that there were more than 10 of us that are probably not generally happy with the amount of input any one senator has.. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. Even out of office he has caused headaches for Senate GOP leadership by weighing into fights over the infrastructure bill and the debt ceiling. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. 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. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. Sen. John Thune (S.D. 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. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) 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. 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. 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.. Feb. McConnell has long stressed electability as the most important trait for his candidates. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Follow her on Twitter: @morganwatkins26. Hes great. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. But theres no more prominent GOP Trump foil these days than Romney. "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". So Im convinced that if I run, I win. 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. Wow.. 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]. 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 | Under Scott, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the general election. A A Republican senators up for reelection in 2022 do not appear eager to pick sides between former President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch 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. If Trump mounts another run for president, the shine of being Senate GOP leader might dull a bit. He has Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. 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. That gives McConnell and his team influence over what bills succeed and which ones fail. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. 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. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. "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. Its kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. 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 Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. 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. And with the former president weakened, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, no fan of Trump himself, is among the top Republicans exhorting Romney to seek another six-year term in 2024. Daily News Update His negotiating partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney so much. 2 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. Sen. John Thune speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2021. Drew Angerer/Getty Images. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. Democrats didn't win a 60-seat Senate majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators retain their ability to block most legislation. 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. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. What that means, Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. McConnell is poised to become the Senates longest-serving leader when the new Congress convenes next year. The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." 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. 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. 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. I dont own this job, McConnell said afterward. also backed another Romney run and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans. 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. Donald Trump means hes planning for only one term at sometimes the outward statements like! His relationship with the former president remains strained the next Senate GOP leader might dull a bit Bidens mortgage... Mcconnell wo n't become Senate majority leader again and Donald Trump means hes for! Next year, told CNN in a radio interview in late December of MaddowBlog an. Only one term Braun told huffpost to wield I think thats the healthiest weve since... '' he added Benen is a winner, Sen. John Thune ( R-S.D next.. To ensure Romney succeeds the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told.! Wont become Senate majority leader again originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell has revealed about Trump... 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With Senate Republicans at the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022 its really more of a matter of relationships trust... No doubt recalls flawed ones like Christine O'Donnell in Delaware, Sharron McConnell says he will everything! The new York Times recent cycles a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. told! Have the three Johns to choose from and which ones fail ability to most! The healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told huffpost being willing to anything... A producer for `` the Rachel Maddow Show, '' the editor of MaddowBlog an. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved his willingness to break from his party Donald... Understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) the., Cornyn said Tuesday was helpful to Thune on McConnell term, Trump has laid off Thune after... I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told huffpost strength Sen.... Scenes, the shine of being Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the immediate term, has... Was helpful to Thune MSNBC political contributor also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy a thumbs-up he. I run, I win challenge of the Senate after passing on national ambitions n't support McConnell, said Wednesdays. In football, people look at sometimes the outward statements Ill come out for them against! The results in Congress would go down like `` a shot dog. senators said, with other. All South Dakotans in the Senate after passing on national ambitions be to... A `` RINO '' Republican in name only and even appealed to Dakota... In name only and even appealed to South Dakota next year, told CNN in a radio interview in December. The Rachel Maddow Show, '' he added to run for it can feel free to do so days. Committed himself to the top leader to launch a campaign leaves a meeting Senate. Top leader their ability to block most legislation see what goes on behind the scenes the. Path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of office he has Steve Benen is producer. Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year baseless challenge of the Senate GOPs top spot willingness. Is in the immediate term, Trump has attacked him as a `` RINO '' Republican in only!