Pressure builds on Thune ahead of GOP leadership elections
Seven Republican senators now are calling for their leadership elections to be delayed — with one even promising to walk out rather than vote Tuesday. Why it matters: Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is still expected to be reelected to lead the Senate GOP tomorrow. But the growing push to delay is a sign of troubles ahead. Driving the news: Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Rick Scott…
Pressure is mounting on Senate Majority Leader John Thune as Republican senators demand his leadership elections be postponed. Seven senators, including Ron Johnson, Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Ted Budd, John Kennedy, Dave McCormick, and Jim Banks, have signed a letter urging a delay to allow more discussion about the party's recent setbacks.
Johnson even vowed to skip the vote if the delay doesn't occur. While the decision ultimately rests with conference chair Tom Cotton, the likelihood of the election being delayed appears slim, given the strong public support for Thune. Despite calls for change, no one has stepped forward to challenge Thune's position as Senate Majority Leader.
Expected to retain their roles are Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, Conference Chair Tom Cotton, Policy Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito, Conference Vice Chair James Lankford, and NRSC Chair Moreno.
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