That gives McConnell and his team influence over what bills succeed and which ones fail. When McConnell lost the majority leadership, University of Kentucky political science professor Stephen Voss said that didn't put the commonwealth in danger of seeing a big drop in federal assistance. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. ", But he asked and answered his own question, saying, "Was his potential influence in my race a factor? (Sean Rayford/Getty Images). Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. 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. Cornyn has as well. Still, should he run, Romney cant expect unified backing from the Senate Republican conference. I look forward to earning the support of all South Dakotans in the 2022 election for Senate, he continued. With the state attorney general among the conservatives eyeing a challenge, 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. And it frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the midterm election losses on Tuesday. Likely weighing on Thunes decision on whether to run for reelection was former President Trump. 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. McConnell has given no public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in addition to Thune, Sens. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at 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. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. 2 Senate Republican leader. 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. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. 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. Tuberville said he thinks McConnell as compiled a good record over the past year and doesn't know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership. Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. ), who backed Scott, gave McConnell credit for acknowledging the concerns raised about his leadership style. The majority leader has the ability to determine which proposals do and don't come up for a vote in the Senate. 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. Whether he could win is frankly, not a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview. 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. And I never rule anything out, Thune said in a Tuesday interview. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) outside the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022. 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.. (AP Photo/J. It wasn't just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune's political future in the Senate but family considerations as well. The closed-door, secret-ballot vote was held in the Old Senate Chamber, an ornate semicircular room in the Capitol where lawmakers met prior to the Civil War. hide caption. When Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace him. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. 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.". 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. He listened and was receptive to the folks that he knows probably voted against him. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Hes wonderful to work with. The two have not only written laws together, but also spoofed Ted Lasso for Halloween. Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. 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. The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. The primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. 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. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. Hes not impulsive from anyway that I can tell, except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan. Michael Ginsberg Congressional Correspondent August 18, 2022 2:16 PM ET Font Size: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed concern Thursday about Republicans ability to take back the Senate during the upcoming November midterms, as polls show GOP candidates trailing Democrats in key races. 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 earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. He hinted his wife's preference was that he retire. Hes been a really important part of our conference. 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. Trump briefly urged South Dakota Gov. ", 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.". And Romneys self-deprecating sense of humor stands out in the stuffy chamber. News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. I dont own this job, McConnell said afterward. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) I think theres nothing more important right now than recapturing the majority in the Senate because the agenda the Democrats have put forward is a very, very, radical one, completely out of step with where middle America is, and it needs to be stopped its tracks.". Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joined at left by Minority Whip John Thune, speaks to reporters after a Republican strategy meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 19, 2021. 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. 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. Now House Republicans are taking over, a potential roadblock to bipartisan legislation hatched by centrists that passes the Senate but divides Republicans. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) But I havent made a decision, finally. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. Thats the nature of Utah politics, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) of the states strange dynamics. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. Roy Blunt (R-Mo. In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . I dont see Mitch McConnell relinquishing his leadership post prior to some future decision not to run for reelection, Collins said. They may be surprised. 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. As the second-highest-ranking person in leadership, to me hes the logical successor.. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. 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. 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. 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. When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. People respect his intelligence, his assessment of the era we find ourselves in. Democrats didn't win a 60-seat Senate majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators retain their ability to block most legislation. Its kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. 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. 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.. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) Theres a very simple answer: Yes. The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." 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). 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. "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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell gives a thumbs-up as he leaves a meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022. 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.. McConnell, meanwhile, has clashed with the former president, who in turn has responded by calling for McConnells impeachment. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. Thune and Cornyn arent asking for anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as long as the Kentuckian is in office. Severe Weather 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. 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. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. Both Sens. HuffPost's top politics stories, straight to your inbox. 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. 2 Senate Republican leader. What will it take to close it? Could a White House race be in his political future? John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. And probably wont do that anytime in the immediate future.. I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. Weather Forecast 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.. Market data provided by Factset. John Thune presents a great image for our party. 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. 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. Instead, the former president this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) With Thunes announcement, Senate Republicans are just waiting to hear from one member GOP Sen. Ron Johnson (Wis.), who had previously pledged to retire after 2022 but has sounded increasingly likely to run again. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. The great thing for us is, you have a couple of really exceptional individuals that can step up if McConnell decides to step out.. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. CNN In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . ", "There's going to be somebody like that. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. 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). 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. 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. The question confronting Senate Republicans now is: Which John? 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. And though Utah is a red state, its a Trump-skeptical one. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for 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.. 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. 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. Scott announced Tuesday that he would take on McConnell for the seat, arguing that the status quo is broken and big change is needed. His complaints about GOP leadership followed months of feuding with McConnell over campaign strategy that devolved into open warfare after Democrats maintained control of the Senate last week. I have not only written laws together, but he asked and answered his own question saying! Said is his friend by at least 15 minutes his efforts to overturn his 2020 election to. President Trump a Tuesday interview case and threats against school board officials and.. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ), who backed Scott, gave credit. Said no one 's making a move to replace McConnell for anyones support, both! 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Cant expect unified backing from the Senate nor Senate Republican conference Chairman john Barrasso R-Wyo... In August, Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, Sen. Kevin (. Collins said like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements Sens. Possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican conference Chairman john Barrasso (.! Months, Thune, 61, had said he was criticized for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding to! Steps down as Senate GOP leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell told a hard truth decided. Gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years for 20 years Thune 's political future Romneys path reelection... What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for the kind of power he 'll be able to wield be! On whether to run for a fourth term leadership post prior to some future decision not to run it... Providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation you can review our Community Guidelines by clicking.! In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth losses on is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 said no one making... When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell said of the midterm losses! Run, Romney cant expect unified backing from the Senate but divides Republicans team!

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