), who backed Scott, gave McConnell credit for acknowledging the concerns raised about his leadership style. 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. 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. When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. 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. Many of Mitt Romneys fellow senators assume his willingness to break from his party and Donald Trump means hes planning for only one term. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) And though Utah is a red state, its a Trump-skeptical one. TWO REPUBLICANS JUMP INTO SENATE RACE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. I have a hard time seeing how they get out of the hole by next November., THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Then he cut a series of bipartisan deals that upset the right. You know, Im 75, Romney said. John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. Thats the nature of Utah politics, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) of the states strange dynamics. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. 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. 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 Drew Angerer/Getty Images. 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. John Thune presents a great image for our party. People respect his intelligence, his assessment of the era we find ourselves in. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. It was the most uncharacteristic move for McConnell, said one GOP source close to the Senate Republican leader. | You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. A vote to delay the leadership elections until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16. 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. 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. 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 Conferences term-limit rules for leadership posts. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. 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. 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 We got a lot of legislation of significant nature through, Romney said in the interview. "Potential prospects down the road was a factor as we weighed the question of whether or not to seek another six-year term.". Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. 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. The question confronting Senate Republicans now is: Which John? 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. Roy Blunt of Missouri, Rob Portman of Ohio, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Richard Burr of North Carolina and Richard Shelby of Alabama are opting to step down rather than run again in 2022. Though GOP senators expressed confidence earlier this year that he would run, Thune set off alarm bells within the caucus when he told a South Dakota publication that his wife was ready for him to call it quits. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally and former college football coach, said McConnells doing a good job, shrugging off the former presidents scathing criticism of the leader. Thune joined the House of Representatives in 1997 and, after an initial Senate bid in 2002, sent a lightning bolt through Washington when he defeated then-Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in 2004 in what was the most expensive race of the cycle. 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. Ive spent 25 years now in public service. He listened and was receptive to the folks that he knows probably voted against him. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. 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). 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. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. "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. | "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". 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. 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. Trump is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. Thune mulled for nearly a year on whether to run for a fourth term representing South Dakota. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says the eventual possibility of succeeding longtime Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell in steering Republicans in the chamber was "a factor" in his decision to run for reelection this year. News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. 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. And McConnell is willing to put money behind it. "I have not heard anybody say anything negative," he added. 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.". Unlike McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald Trump. McConnell has given no public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in addition to Thune, Sens. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. While Trump has seemingly moved on from Thune, hes kept up a long-running, largely one-sided, feud with McConnell. But it's not as if Barack Obama was actively involved in a campaign to destroy Schumer. But Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is running for reelection as governor. So Im convinced that if I run, I win. They don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.". ", But he asked and answered his own question, saying, "Was his potential influence in my race a factor? Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. 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. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. 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. McConnell confirmed Tuesday hell seek to remain party leader after this falls midterms, no surprise given his goal of surpassing the late Sen. Mike Mansfields record Yet if theres a favorite McConnell heir, no one is saying. Legal Statement. And probably wont do that anytime in the immediate future.. Feb. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. I do, Scott said when asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader. ), the No. Still, even with McConnells term not over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly. Hes a deliberate person. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. But in another respect, Romneys just like any politician: He wants to win. Thanks to the filibuster a 60-vote threshold senators must meet to advance most bills Democrats need support from several Republicans, at least, to pass plenty of proposals. 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.. We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. But McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, made clear on Tuesday that he doesn't plan to step down from the Senate Republican leader's job anytime soon, despite Trump's pressure. HuffPost's top politics stories, straight to your inbox. Senate Republicans, who are close allies of the former president, urged Thune to run and not to worry about a Trump-field primary challenge. "She is done with it," he said. 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. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. Thanks to Democrats' victory, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is lined up to keep setting the agenda instead. 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 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.. "I think he does a good job," he said. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. They can't block everything, though. The South Dakota senator highlighted the Republican victories, suggesting they are a 'repudiation' of the Democrats' big-government approach. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Theres Thune the South Dakotan, McConnells current deputy, as well as former whip John Cornyn of Texas, the two favorites to succeed the GOP leader. Under Scott, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the general election. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. Senate.". 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.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost. McConnell was elected to a seventh Senate term in 2020 by a nearly 20-point margin over Democrat Amy McGrath and wont be up for reelection until 2026. Breaking News 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Wow.. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. Follow her on Twitter: @morganwatkins26. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. 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. All rights reserved. Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. 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. 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. He was elected to the House in 1996 and served three terms there. No. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. "It's kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. Sometimes in this current political environment, it can be a mixed blessing to have a member of the Republican leadership in the Senate come out in circumstances. But theres no more prominent GOP Trump foil these days than Romney. 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. 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. 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. He has been involved in a lot of different issues. Its not like anybody figured wed have a new leader, but someone had to step up and make the statement that there were more than 10 of us that are probably not generally happy with the amount of input any one senator has.. 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. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. Both Sens. Im going to be running again for leader later this year, he told reporters Tuesday when asked how long he plans to hold onto his job. Glenn Clary, the state party chairman, told CNN that some people are angry and upset and some people say she voted her conscience.. Even so, he may face opposition from his own party if he runs, with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes the most prominent possibility. President Trump is well liked up here, Clary said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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]. 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. In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who served six years as GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the current number-three Senate Republican leader, are also seen as potential contenders. Johns a cautious man. Weather Forecast Its a unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are, and its not really influenced by outside influences. (AP Photo/J. They may be surprised. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. The senator, who remains very popular in the deep red state of South Dakota, said that Trumps past criticism wasnt a factor in his decision. Market data provided by Factset. Scott Applewhite), Thune, in an interview Tuesday with Fox News, said that "the possibility perhaps of other leadership opportunities down the road" impacted his 2022 decision. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at 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. 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. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell. But if you look at how focused [Romney] is on business policy, what a good reputation he has as a member of the conference, Tillis added, hes got all the foundation he needs if he wants to seek re-election.. Cornyns power base stems from his time as whip and party committee chair in 2010 and 2012 as well as his continued fundraising prowess for the party and handy reelection win in 2020 after Democrats tried to make Texas a battleground state. "I've always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular," Thune said in a statement posted on Twitter. are also viewed as jockeying for the top spot. Heres how. Still, should he run, Romney cant expect unified backing from the Senate Republican conference. Sen. 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. Lee is expected to remain similarly neutral in a primary if Romney runs again, according to a person familiar with his plans. 3 Senate GOP leader whom Republicans believe is likely to ascend to the whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell. Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe 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). 2 Senate Republican leader. Next year, the Senate will be narrowly divided with Democrats in charge, which may empower senators like Romney and Sinema to keep working together on issues like the minimum wage or immigration. 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, the No. He hinted his wife's preference was that he retire. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. In fact, McConnell noted in a January 2021 interview that he'd "still be one of the Big Four," saying: "When you end up in a big negotiation at the end of the year, each of the four of us have a veto power over what goes in and what doesn't.". 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. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? 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. 2-ranking Republican in the Senate, announced on Saturday that he would seek another six-year term in the Senate in order to deliver for South Dakota, emphasizing that he's "uniquely positioned to get that job done. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a conservative challenge led by Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.). I dont own this job, McConnell said afterward. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. The Senate is currently split 50-50 between the two major parties, but Democrats hold a razor-thin majority due to the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris through her constitutional duty as president of the chamber. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. 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. He voted to convict Trump in both impeachment trials, becoming the only Senate Republican to support abuse of power charges against Trump in the former presidents first trial over Ukraine aid. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) Thune and Cornyn are best-positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the mix too. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a Its kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. also backed another Romney run and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans. Both senators said their most important election right now is this November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority. Its important for the Republican Party and the country that he runs again., The first-term senator said that hes beginning to do everything necessary to set up another run, such as making sure I have the right people, fundraising and talking to voters. 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. "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. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) (Susan Walsh/Pool/AFP via Getty Images). 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. | "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. Sen. John Thune speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2021. Noem said on Twitter shortly after that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him. 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.. Severe Weather And timing could be everything: Thune is subject to the same six-year term limits as whip that rotated Cornyn out of the spot. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. 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. Thune rose quickly through the ranks in the chamber and has held multiple leadership posts. And Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who's willing to put money behind it, is among the top Republicans urging the Utahn to seek another term. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. Theres a very simple answer: Yes. Link Copied! Im running for the US Senate to stand up for you, just like when I stood next to President Trump and supported his American First agenda, said Jane Timken, the former chair of the Ohio Republican Party who announced Thursday she would seek the states open Senate seat in 2022. listens to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell talk to reporters.
