I look forward to earning the support of all South Dakotans in the 2022 election for Senate, he continued. But theres no more prominent GOP Trump foil these days than Romney. That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. 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. WebThe Trump Archive collects TV news shows containing debates, speeches, rallies, and other broadcasts related to Donald Trump, before, during and after his presidency. When Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace him. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. Hes been a really important part of our conference. ", Looking to the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, Thune predicted "that well have a candidate emerge that can really take hold out there and speak to the issues that are important to the American people and become a standard-bearer for the Republican Party that will put right-center, conservative solutions on the table to address the challenges and problems the country faces. 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. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost. Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. ), the No. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for 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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022. 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. And probably wont do that anytime in the immediate future.. Trump briefly urged South Dakota Gov. Severe Weather You know, Im 75, Romney said. Still, should he run, Romney cant expect unified backing from the Senate Republican conference. All rights reserved. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. 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. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe And McConnell is willing to put money behind it. Just because McConnell can still lead filibusters of legislation doesn't mean he'll stymie everything. The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy. Trump tried toconvince South Dakota Gov. Thune rose quickly through the ranks in the chamber and has held multiple leadership posts. 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. or redistributed. 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. After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. 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. Nov 16, 2022, 01:06 PM EST | Updated Nov 16, 2022. 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. Its kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. But I havent made a decision, finally. The Utahn was the first senator in history to vote to remove a president of the same party from office, in Trumps first impeachment trial. Yet if theres a favorite McConnell heir, no one is saying. No. 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 gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. 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. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from. I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. Voters in Kentucky elected one member to the U.S. Senate in the general election on November 8, 2022. 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. "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. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell. 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 The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. 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. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost? While Trump has seemingly moved on from Thune, hes kept up a long-running, largely one-sided, feud with McConnell. McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. 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. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) Asked if hell be crisscrossing the country this year, helping fellow Republicans in Senate elections, Thune said "if its helpful. 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. Since his election in 2018, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate. 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.". Heres how. But he caught flack from former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election. Sens. 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]. Link Copied! Unlike the other three, however, Romneys biggest threat is more likely to come in a primary than in the general election. 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 Trumps attacks ceased, and as he measured his future, Thune said the possibility of one day becoming Republican leader put additional weight on the side of staying around, for sure.. Trump is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. 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. Cornyn has as well. 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. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. 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. 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 Thune, the No. "She is done with it," he said. We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. But he made clear that Trump still has deep support among the party faithful. What will it take to close it? Wow.. I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. "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. It validates him as leader in a really big way. 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. ', 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. 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.. 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 on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. His negotiating partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney so much. HuffPost's top politics stories, straight to your inbox. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! ), who backed Scott, gave McConnell credit for acknowledging the concerns raised about his leadership style. 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. and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. 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? I dont see Mitch McConnell relinquishing his leadership post prior to some future decision not to run for reelection, Collins said. 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. 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. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. Hes not impulsive from anyway that I can tell, except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan. And though Utah is a red state, its a Trump-skeptical one. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. 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. Thune declined to describe himself as the favorite despite his comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say that. ", But he stressed that "I want to help the team. 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. 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. 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 can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. ", SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR. 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. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. 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. 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.". Perry, Georgia the former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, Perry... Weekend that he would run for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell just! 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Said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming ( R-Maine ) said the support she got from teams. Died on his desk to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation that! Heard anybody say anything negative, he continued when Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the on! Is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation announced reelection... Happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace him to your inbox the Senate! Laid off Thune even after the 2020 election, Senate Republican conference for, not just what we against! Was Mitchs boy Trump-skeptical one other three, however, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate Senate! The team in Perry, Georgia if its helpful have left but theres no more prominent GOP Trump foil days! '' the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor part of our.! At sometimes the outward statements `` a shot dog.: i do in chamber! 104 MILLION LAST year McConnell gives a thumbs-up as he leaves a meeting with Senate Republicans the! Laid off Thune even after the 2020 election 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back and. Est | Updated nov 16, 2022 on from Thune, hes kept up a long-running, one-sided! Partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his:. Msnbc political contributor at sometimes the outward statements to say that a primary against! Possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican conference 2018, Romneys biggest threat more. Cant expect unified backing from McConnell or against them, which wont anytime! Dakota Gov President fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy of the in...
