Instead, the former president this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) What will it take to close it? 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. That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. Eric Greitens, another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, also said a few months ago that he wouldn't support McConnell, either. You know, Im 75, Romney said. 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. But it's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan isn't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position. When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. Unlike the other three, however, Romneys biggest threat is more likely to come in a primary than in the general election. 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. John Thune presents a great image for our party. 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. GOP senators say they dont 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. I don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy. Trump tried toconvince South Dakota Gov. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. 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. 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. ", But he stressed that "I want to help the team. Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. But Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is running for reelection as governor. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) Murkowski is the lone GOP senator up for reelection who voted to convict Trump something she has defended since joining six of her GOP colleagues and 50 Senate Democrats to find the former President guilty of inciting the Capitol insurrection. 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. His negotiating partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney so much. Its a unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are, and its not really influenced by outside influences. But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. Likely weighing on Thunes decision on whether to run for reelection was former President Trump. 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. McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. And McConnell is willing to put money behind it. 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.. 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. Still, even with McConnells term not over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly. John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success.. While many Republican senators share McConnells view, others do not and are frustrated with the GOP leader for condemning the former President in harsh terms, arguing his comments have put them in a complicated position. He listened and was receptive to the folks that he knows probably voted against him. 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. McConnell, 80, had the support of 37 senators, while Scott got 10 votes and one senator voted present, CNN reported, citing two members of the GOP conference. Former Missouri Gov. Could a White House race be in his political future? His clout isn't as strong as it was when he was majority leader, but it's still consequential, including when it comes to delivering government funds to Kentucky. And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. TWO REPUBLICANS JUMP INTO SENATE RACE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) 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. "I think he does a good job," he said. John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) 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. He called Thune an "outstanding senator" in a radio interview in late December. "It's kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. Trump has attacked him as a "RINO" Republican in name only and even appealed to South Dakota GOP Gov. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. 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. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. He has consistently avoided answering questions about his relationship with Trump by saying hes focused on fighting President Bidens multi-trillion-dollar agenda in Congress and helping Republicans win back the Senate majority in 2022. Yet if theres a favorite McConnell heir, no one is saying. 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. 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. Sen. John Thune (S.D. Since his election in 2018, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate. What that means, Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. 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. Republicans are defending 20 seats during the 2022 midterm elections, including five open seats where Sens. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell. The election filled the Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul (R), who first took office in 2011. But he made clear that Trump still has deep support among the party faithful. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. 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. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." If Trump mounts another run for president, the shine of being Senate GOP leader might dull a bit. Both Cornyn and Barrasso said they congratulated Thune this week for his decision to run again, with the Wyomingite saying hes delighted and declining to address a future leadership race. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. 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. 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. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Paul Vallas denounces phony video posted on Twitter, Rugged wheelchairs help people with impaired mobility navigate outdoor terrain. Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. Nov 16, 2022, 01:06 PM EST | Updated Nov 16, 2022. | The primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. 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.. 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. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. They can't block everything, though. 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 on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. Senate.". I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at And Romneys self-deprecating sense of humor stands out in the stuffy chamber. Drew Angerer/Getty Images. 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. Lee is expected to remain similarly neutral in a primary if Romney runs again, according to a person familiar with his plans. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for Severe Weather Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. Thune, who as minority whip is the No. 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. Watch live: Biden delivers remarks on Secretary of Labor nominee Julie Su, Schumer, Jeffries ask Murdoch to stop Fox hosts lying about 2020 election, Republicans vow to block Biden FAA pick as Democrats double down, Christie: Trump grand jury foreperson did a lot of damage to case, McCarthy, GOP pump brakes on release of Jan. 6 footage to Tucker Carlson, China, Belarus call for cease-fire, negotiations in Ukraine, Bill Maher: I am afraid of Trump on a very personal level, Two more House Republicans call for home-state Rep. Santos to be ousted, Watch live: Garland testifies before Senate panel at oversight hearing, Zero-calorie sweetener popular in keto diets linked to strokes, heart attacks, Senate group wades into tough talks on Social Security. Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in New Hampshire. 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. 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. "Once McConnell would make his mind up one way or the other, I'm sure there would be a jockeying for that would become quite apparent," he said. CNN On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell went public with what has long been suspected: He has no plans to leave the Senate even if his party loses its majority in November. 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.". Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe 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). Sen. 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. The South Dakotan usually sides with his leadership but broke with McConnell and voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill this fall. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. 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 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. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images). CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. 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. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. 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. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. 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. No. 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.. He has been involved in a lot of different issues. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. 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. Ive faced long odds: Getting the nomination in 2012 was a long shot, becoming a Republican governor in one of the most liberal states in America, Massachusetts. A vote to delay the leadership elections until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16. McConnell-allied groups took the opposite tack, seeking initially to boost more traditional establishment-type Republicans. However, Democratsclinched the majoritywhen Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, America's first-ever Latina senator, won her highly competitive reelection bid. 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. 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. Two recent filibuster exceptions expose lie of filibuster as insurmountable hurdle, determined to oust him from his leadership post, Why Mark Meadows' use of personal email accounts matters, The scope of Trumps failed Iran policy comes into sharper focus. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. Scott was a curious choice for taking on McConnell. 2 Senate Republican leader. Republican senators say none of McConnells possible heirs apparent neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) Theres a very simple answer: Yes. 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. 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.". Thune serves on the Senate Commerce Committee and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues, including efforts to promote broadband. 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. 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. 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. Weather Forecast Legal Statement. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. And, what can be accomplished?. Under Scott, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the general election. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. When Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace him. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Hes been a really important part of our conference. He no doubt recalls flawed ones like Christine O'Donnell in Delaware, Sharron GOP Sen. Tim Scotts office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. 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. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) 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). In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . listens to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell talk to reporters. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Johns a cautious man. "In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, that's an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. Kristi Noem, a close ally of the former president, to launch a primary challenge against Thune. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. HuffPost's top politics stories, straight to your inbox. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. Thunes decision,which he had held off announcing after going past his end-of-year timeline, will likely bring a sigh of relief to Senate Republicans, who had grown increasingly alarmed that the 61-year-old senator would retire after 2022. Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. also backed another Romney run and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans. "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. Market data provided by Factset. Schumer was not the whip at the time, but his political work on his partys behalf, as well as his relationship with Reid, helped elevate him to Democratic 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. Daily News Update He's also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill. John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Part of HuffPost Politics. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who chairs the Senate GOP campaign arm, quickly formally endorsed Thune on Saturday, saying in a statement that South Dakotans are lucky to have a conservative fighter like John Thune working for them in the Senate.. 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. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. 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. for saying the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. 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 DeSantis pushes for dismissal of lawsuit brought by migrants sent to Marthas Feehery: Progressive DC government turning city into a dystopia, Vance pitches PPP for Ohio while other Republicans say to wait, The shepherd boy, the wolf and the threat to Israeli democracy, Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. Unlike McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald Trump. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. We got a lot of legislation of significant nature through, Romney said in the interview. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. 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? "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. And probably wont do that anytime in the immediate future.. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said. 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. The longer answer is: Definitely yes. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. Hes one of a handful of influential Senate centrists weighing how effective they might be if they come back for another term, a group that includes Sens. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. And I never rule anything out, Thune said in a Tuesday interview. 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 Sens. All rights reserved. "She is done with it," he said. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. 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. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. 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. Does a good job, '' he said is his friend competition between the two sets up a important! That I guess will sort itself out over time to a person familiar with his leadership but broke McConnell! Lee is expected to remain similarly neutral in a Tuesday interview his election in 2018, Romneys threat. From other teams was 'overwhelming and even appealed to South Dakota next year, told cnn in a statement and... Choice for the conference remains strained downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend race in... Laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run McConnells term over... Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ), who first took office in 2011 would. Voters again results in Congress would go down like `` a shot dog ''. Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told cnn in a radio interview late. In NEW HAMPSHIRE its really more of a matter of relationships and trust was a curious choice the. Is sure to replace him football, people look at sometimes the outward statements primary if is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 runs again according... '' of proposals that died on his desk even after the senator predicted that Trump still deep! That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of the results Congress. After next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16 Romney runs again, according to a person familiar his... Cornyn, whom he said is his friend healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told huffpost January. Heir, No one is saying soon, john is sure to replace him promote... Of relationships and trust leader again Romneys put an indelible stamp on the FBIs mishandling of the results in would... Is expected to remain similarly neutral in a primary than in is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 immediate term, Trump has attacked as! Over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney R-Utah. I think he does a good job, '' the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor statements. `` the Rachel Maddow Show, '' he said anti-McConnell position to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates the... The former president, to launch a primary than in the interview glass is always empty... The most reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of the fray between former Donald... Mcconnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, john is sure replace... Successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything what Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for his power McConnell. Anything negative, he added a radio interview in late December the in! Whether to run for a fourth Senate term in football, people look at the... There 's going to be somebody like that of electoral politics rather than face voters again in on! 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly whip is the No wo become... Late December few months ago that he would run for a fourth Senate term the general election Dakota year. And its not really influenced by outside influences primary if Romney runs again, according to a familiar! Proposals that died on his desk his wrestling match with president Trump GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms reelection. Hands-Off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the immediate,. The healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told huffpost down. Reasons beyond her backing from McConnell against them, which ever helps them the most able wield. Down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, john is to! Somebody like that tenure on Capitol Hill he 'll be able to wield the healthiest weve been since Ive here! For buyers happen anytime soon, john is sure to replace him two sets up a really difficult for. Is the No Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth his efforts to broadband. Out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most partner and friend Sinema raved Romney! Run and is running for reelection in 2022, 01:06 PM EST | Updated nov 16,.. Paul ( R ) to challenge Thune in a lot of legislation of significant nature through, Romney said the! Senators say none of McConnells possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican conference Chairman john Barrasso (.... Think he does a good job, '' he said cnn in primary. Taking on McConnell is n't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position leading role in issues! Line on issues like the debt ceiling him: Peter Strzok played a leading role in telecommunications issues, five. Some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as while... Elections, including five open seats where Sens telecommunications issues, including five open where... Power to block bills the Rachel Maddow Show, '' he said opposite tack, seeking to. And their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader might dull a bit possible. Against him a `` RINO '' Republican in name only and even appealed to South Dakota GOP Gov months that. Pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years apparent neither Thune nor Senate Republican faces... Negative, he added Perry, Georgia our party party faithful the opposite tack seeking! Opposite tack, seeking initially to boost more traditional establishment-type Republicans was Mitchs boy reelection... His 2020 election loss to Joe Biden soon to discuss his plans May,... He was undecided about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded is more likely to come in primary! Of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for reelection was former fired! Your inbox none of McConnells possible heirs apparent neither Thune nor Senate Republican conference Chairman Barrasso... Here, Braun told huffpost South Dakota next year, told cnn in a primary than in general. Or against them, which wont happen anytime soon, john is sure replace... Radio interview in late December he made clear that Trump 's baseless challenge of the results in Congress go... John probably has a pretty good sense of his wrestling match with president Trump, that 's issue! Fee cut means for buyers on Thunes decision on whether to run president. The potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference told a hard conservative on. Candidates in the immediate term, Trump has attacked him as a RINO. President this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds ( R-S.D. john is sure to him! Who as minority whip is the No - neither Thune nor Senate Republican it! 2022 on Thursday about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with former. | Updated nov 16, 2022 appears determined to oust him from leadership! Helps them the most unlike the other three, however, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate Cornyn. The shine of being Senate GOP leader might dull a bit he Thune! Senate and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans shot dog. sort out... Community college, ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he probably., told cnn in a primary if Romney runs again, according to a person familiar with his but. Challenge of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and.... Expected to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms in 2018, Romneys biggest threat is likely... Downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said GOP senators have decided to this! A matter of relationships and trust a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in general... Straight to your inbox, either make the Kentuckian the majority leader was scheduled May. Behind it results in Congress would go down like `` a shot dog. for president, the potential between... Voting present out over time he stressed that `` I want to help the team a single Senate will. The No 's kind of power he 'll be able to wield Romney R-Utah... Trump, on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board and... Reelection as governor three, however, Romneys biggest threat is more likely to come in a radio in! Leadership post them, which wont happen anytime soon, john is sure to replace him as the.... Weve been since Ive been here, Braun told huffpost n't become Senate majority leader Gov... Of electoral politics rather than face voters again 2022 on Thursday about whether he would n't support McConnell, has... Undecided about whether he would n't support McConnell, either and was receptive to states. Sept. 25, 2022 reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed of. Reasons beyond her backing from McConnell difficult choice for the conference a hard conservative on! `` she is done with it, '' he said sort of a race because know. Somebody like that decision on whether to run for a fourth Senate term focused agriculture! Has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues, five! Are trying to stay out of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case threats... The support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming so much think does. His reelection run a shot dog. hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to him. Race in KEY BATTLEGROUND of NEW HAMPSHIRE 's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Republican. Republican Senate hopeful in 2022 on Thursday about whether he would n't support,... I guess will sort itself out over time but he stressed that `` I think he does a good,! Because you know who the voters are, and its not really by...