Mitch McConnell.Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty
Kentucky Sen.Mitch McConnellhas defended his position as the top Senate Republican, defeating challengerRick Scottin Wednesday’s GOP leadership election.
Though he’s long been favored for the post, McConnell faced criticism from some fellow Republicans who argued he didn’t best represent the caucus. The criticism was amplified during the midterm season when he suggested that the quality of the Republican Senate candidates this year may lose them the chance to take control of the Senate.
Sen. Scott from Florida fought back, telling Politico in August, “Sen. McConnell and I clearly have a strategic disagreement here … We have great candidates.”
“He wants to do the same thing I want to do: I want to get a majority,” Scott, 69, continued. “And I think it’s important that we’re all cheerleaders for our candidates.”
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The night before the midterm election, former President Donald Trump — apolitical rival of the minority leader’s— told his supporters at a rally that Scott should be considered as a replacement for McConnell.
By this week, Scott had formally announced his bid to challenge McConnell, ultimately falling short of the votes needed.
Other leadership positions within the Senate Republican Conference were also determined Wednesday. Sen.John Thuneof South Dakota will continue in his role as Senate minority whip, the number two position, and Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming will continue in the third-ranking post as chair of the Senate Republican Conference.
Additionally, Sen.Joni Ernstof Iowa will now chair the Republican Policy Committee, replacing outgoing Sen.Roy Bluntof Missouri. Sen.Shelley Moore Capitoof West Virginia will replace Ernst as vice chairwoman of the Senate Republican Conference. And Sen. Steve Daines of Montana will chair the National Republican Senate Committee, replacing Sen. Scott.
source: people.com
