McConnell's No. 2 weighs future as Trump reshapes Senate GOP
Sen. John Thune is taking his time on reelection, with the former president potentially standing in his way.
By BURGESS EVERETT
03/25/2021 04:30 AM EDT
John Thune could eventually succeed Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader. But first the second-ranked Senate Republican has to decide whether to run for reelection with Donald Trump prepared to stand in his way.
As fellow GOP senators like Jerry Moran of Kansas or John Boozman of Arkansas announce their 2022 campaigns, usually with the backing of the former president, Thune is taking his time.
In this day and age, these campaigns are so long. And I think they start way too early, the South Dakota Republican said in an interview on Wednesday, noting he usually waits until the fall to announce his reelection bids. Were moving forward doing all the things that you do. And at some point, well make everything official.
Of course, that sounds a little like two GOP senators, Roy Blunt of Missouri and Rob Portman of Ohio, who sent all the right signals about running again until they bowed out. Given his still-bright future in the party and $13 million campaign stash, colleagues are certain Thune runs again.
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https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/25/john-thune-reelection-mcconnell-trump-477886