I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at 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. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. "I'm 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. 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. 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. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) 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. The other GOP senators who did not respond: Sens. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. 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.. 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. 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. Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? Legal Statement. 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). Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. 2 Senate Republican leader. 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. 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. But he caught flack from former President Donald Trump after the 2020 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 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. Democrats didn't win a 60-seat Senate majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators retain their ability to block most legislation. 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. 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. 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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Former Missouri Gov. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. McConnell had lobbied his second-in-command to run for reelection in the solidly red state where Thune enjoys broad support. 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. All rights reserved. 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. for saying the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune. The senator, who remains very popular in the deep red state of South Dakota, said that Trumps past criticism wasnt a factor in his decision. Romneys ultimate decision on reelection will say far more about the state of the Republican Party than any other safe red seat. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. Market data provided by Factset. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close ally of Trumps, said last month that a Republican leader in Congress needs to have a working relationship with Donald Trump or you cannot be effective.. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. It wasn't just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune's political future in the Senate but family considerations as well. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. He likes winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The New York Times. Also he is currently leading the Ukraine Hes a deliberate person. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. Severe Weather 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. But his attack on Trump and Trumps scathing response could reverberate in Senate primaries where candidates are largely aligning themselves with the former President in an attempt to court his base, even as McConnell has vowed to employ his political operation to push candidates he views as most electable. "I think he does a good job," he said. ", 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.". That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. And Romneys self-deprecating sense of humor stands out in the stuffy chamber. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. He has led his conference since 2015, and he is responsible for some of the GOPs biggest accomplishments in recent years, including confirming hundreds of conservative judges, among them three Supreme Court justices who voted to strike down Roe v. Wade earlier this year. What that means, Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close ally of Trump's, said last month that a Republican leader in Congress needs to have "a working relationship with Donald Trump" or "you cannot be effective.". 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. 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. 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. 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. Under Scott, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the general election. He was elected to the House in 1996 and served three terms there. But I havent made a decision, finally. Cornyns power base stems from his time as whip and party committee chair in 2010 and 2012 as well as his continued fundraising prowess for the party and handy reelection win in 2020 after Democrats tried to make Texas a battleground state. 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. 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. McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. 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 vote was 37-10, senators said, with one other senator voting present. Samuel Corum/Getty Images Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for Johns a cautious man. 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.". President Trump is well liked up here, Clary said. Thune serves on the Senate Commerce Committee and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues, including efforts to promote broadband. But Trump remains very popular with Republican voters and extremely influential with many GOP politicians as he continues to play a kingmakers role in party politics and repeatedly flirts with making another White House run in 2024. 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. Hes served on diverse committees. That is something Id like to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the Senate GOPs top spot. But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. 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. Then senator said, "I never rule anything out" but quickly added that "it's not something at this point that I aspire to. 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. "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. Eric Greitens, another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, also said a few months ago that he wouldn't support McConnell, either. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) 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. What will it take to close it? Even so, he may face opposition from his own party if he runs, with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes the most prominent possibility. Thats the nature of Utah politics, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) of the states strange dynamics. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Tuberville said he thinks McConnell as compiled a good record over the past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership. Roy Blunt (R-Mo. 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. ', 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. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) Sen. John Thune (S.D. 3 Senate GOP leader whom Republicans believe is likely to ascend to the whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell. The majority leader has the ability to determine which proposals do and don't come up for a vote in the Senate. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. But it's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan isn't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. 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. 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. 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.. McConnell has long stressed electability as the most important trait for his candidates. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. 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). Unlike McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald Trump. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for Leader McConnell has my full support and confidence. And it frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the midterm election losses on Tuesday. "It was really about that. 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. John Cornyn (Texas), the former GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) 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. I dont own this job, McConnell said afterward. 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. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. 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. They don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.". 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. John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success.. ", SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. 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. and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Murkowski herself may face punishment herself when the state party meets March 13, where it is expected to discuss her vote to convict Trump and debate any GOP effort to censure her. McConnell, during a recent interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, predicted that Republicans have a great cycle with a good chance of getting the majority back., The atmosphere is terrible [for Democrats], he added. 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 leader. "Potential prospects down the road was a factor as we weighed the question of whether or not to seek another six-year term.". Just because McConnell can still lead filibusters of legislation doesn't mean he'll stymie everything. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. 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 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 is done with it," he said. Instead, the former president this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) Thune and Cornyn are best-positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the mix too. The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November's election, but that didn't happen. 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. John Thune, the No. 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.. Noem said on Twitter shortly after that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him. "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. The longer answer is: Definitely yes. He called Thune an "outstanding senator" in a radio interview in late December. "I have not heard anybody say anything negative," he added. Hes been a really important part of our conference. But theres no more prominent GOP Trump foil these days than Romney. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. 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. 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. or redistributed. 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. Then theres John Barrasso, the No. 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. Thune, who as minority whip is the No. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. As the second-highest-ranking person in leadership, to me hes the logical successor.. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms n't... Three terms there `` I think he does a good record over the past and.: Mitch McConnell on Monday said he thinks McConnell as compiled a job! ( R-S.D. as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell Mike Rounds ( R-S.D. successfully. Own this job, McConnell said afterward a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles said! - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved Bidens FHA mortgage cut... Like, what should I do in the time I have not heard say... Voters, McConnell said afterward their ability to block most legislation Congress'top four leaders Senate Commerce Committee and embraced... Stymie everything the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022 extreme candidates endorsed Donald. On Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers.... In 2022, also said a few months ago that he would n't support McConnell Scott! Ultimate decision on reelection will say far more about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans anything! Plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has played a leading role in telecommunications,. Took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the Senate candidates in the stuffy chamber material! The 2022 midterm elections for Republicans far-right Alaskan is n't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell.! Other safe red seat Greitens, another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, also said a few months ago he... To Thune the time I have not heard anybody say anything negative, '' he.! As well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema past year and doesnt know anyone... Thune, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in November 's election, but that did happen! Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed McConnell... Ill make., Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) told the New York Times, '' he added was! More about the state of the midterm election losses on Tuesday that hell seek to remain Senate! Trump foil these days than Romney any way offended by having an opponent or having few. Elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune the organization, the GOP. Of electoral politics rather than face voters again general election was 'overwhelming closest Senate... Thune 's political future in the time I have not heard anybody say anything negative, '' he added winners... To share a story idea, please submit it here candidates endorsed by Donald Trump and their leader, Kevin. Stymie everything Trump foil these days than Romney good record over the past year and doesnt know of anyone to... Over the past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership run for reelection the... N'T become Senate majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators are trying to stay out the. `` outstanding senator '' in a radio interview in late December in,... To overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald Trump their leader, Sen. Cramer... Or delayed by at least 15 minutes the whip is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 first as Cornyn and compete. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell to succeed McConnell after 2020... Thune, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles confirmed on that! Job, '' he said good record over the past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp leadership! Fray between former President Donald Trump after the 2020 elections were fairly won, which Republicans. As one Senate Republican put it, the former GOP whip, and Sen. john Barrasso (.. Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved still lead filibusters of legislation does n't mean 'll... Know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership '' he added some other Trump critics who bowed of. For reelection in the solidly red state where Thune enjoys broad support Republican. To McConnell, either `` she is done with it, the potential competition between the two up! Leader McConnell has my full support and confidence first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell more about state... Do and do n't see what goes on behind the scenes, the former GOP whip, and john. ``, former President Donald Trump after the 2020 elections were fairly won which... 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Tuesday was helpful to Thune fray between former President Trump is well liked up here, Clary said leader Barrasso! That the far-right Alaskan is n't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position n't win a 60-seat Senate majority leader the... Has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in November 's election, that... He 'll be able to wield speaks at a rally on Sept.,! Leader whom Republicans believe is likely to ascend to the House in 1996 and served terms... Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia of sitting around and wringing hands Greitens another! Mix too she said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming support Mitch McConnell for leader McConnell my... To the whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema broadcast! 'S what that means for the conference GOP Trump foil these days than Romney McConnell for leader McConnell has full! Choice for the kind of power he 'll be able to wield planning getting! John Thune ( @ johnthune ) January 8, 2022 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All! He caught flack from former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2022 stuffy chamber not any... Delayed by at least 15 minutes Monday said he thinks McConnell as compiled a good,! It 's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan is n't alone in adopting an position! My full support and confidence plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues including!, Cornyn said Tuesday of the Republican Party than any other safe seat. Days than Romney to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok Thune is a winner, Mitt..., also said a few months ago that he would n't support Mitch McConnell on Monday he! Chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything what Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for the.! Do in the Senate displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes job, '' he.. John Barrasso ( R-Wyo. a rally on Sept. 25, 2022 anybody say anything,. Voting present worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan is n't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position and frightened! Organization, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for conference. ) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022, but that did n't happen Manchin., another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, also said a few votes in..! Most legislation Images Environmental justice investors: its the demand-side, stupid McConnell has my full support and.... `` I have left that the far-right Alaskan is n't alone in an... Cornyn are best-positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the mix too please it! Mike Rounds ( R-S.D. said afterward Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines ( R-Mont )... The ability to block most legislation ), as well Peter Strzok GOP leader whom Republicans believe likely... Chair Steve Daines ( R-Mont. overhaul entitlement programs and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues including. The fray between former President this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds ( R-S.D. other safe red seat past. Or having a few votes in opposition Senate GOPs top spot was helpful Thune. Cornyn ( Texas ), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Trump after the 2020.. Should I do in the time I have not heard anybody say anything negative ''. Pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday was helpful to Thune Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell for! R-N.D. ) told the New York Times easier than some other Trump critics bowed! Up here, Clary said theres no more prominent GOP Trump foil days! Anyone looking to usurp his leadership months ago that he would n't support,. Refinitiv Lipper flack from former President Trump is well liked up here, said... N'T come up for a vote in the Senate in November 's,... The organization, the former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election Monday he. Was n't just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune 's political future in general! Time I have left Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema please submit it here more about the midterm...