Thune retains Senate GOP leadership despite midterm losses
Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 10 Nov, 21:01 · Archive
John Thune secured another term as Senate Republican leader after the party suffered significant midterm losses.
Senate Republicans reelected John Thune as their leader on Tuesday, staying in place as the party prepares to enter the minority in January. Thune, a 65-year-old senator from South Dakota, secured the position by acclamation, or without opposition, after a closed-door meeting in the Old Senate Chamber.
The reelection came despite a last-minute push by several conservative senators to delay the vote. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin led the effort, securing signatures from Senators John Kennedy of Louisiana, Ted Budd of North Carolina, Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah to force a conference meeting before the elections. The conservatives argued that the party's substantial midterm losses—which saw Democrats gain at least seven Senate seats—warranted a discussion of strategy before confirming leadership.
Johnson told reporters that Senate Republicans 'just can't continue on business as usual' after a 'stunning defeat' and that such losses demanded change. However, he acknowledged no clear alternative to Thune existed. Rick Scott said he would not support Thune without a specific plan for the lame-duck session before Democratic control begins. The effort to delay further fell short, and Thune proceeded with the election unopposed.
How it is being reported
- John Thune shrugs off furious GOP revolt to stay on as Republican leader after red state Senate slaughterRepublican Leader John Thune will head his caucus again despite his party's loss of the Senate, but some of his disgruntled colleagues let him know their dissatisfaction before the vote on Tuesday.Daily Mail · 10 Nov, 20:58
- Senate Republicans re-elect John Thune as leader after midterm shellackingSenate Republicans reelected John Thune as their leader Tuesday morning, brushing aside a last-minute revolt from his right flank.New York Post · 10 Nov, 20:57
- Thune wins reelection as Senate GOP leader after midterms lossesSenate Republicans reelected Sen. John Thune as their leader, staying the course as they prepare to enter the minority after their brutal midterm losses.CBS News · 10 Nov, 20:46
- Senate GOP rebellion fizzles as Thune keeps power despite historic midterm massacreJohn Thune secured another term as Senate GOP leader despite Ron Johnson and Rick Scott pushing to delay elections after midterm losses.Fox News · 10 Nov, 20:42
- GOP senator withholds support for Thune as leadership showdown loomsRick Scott says he won't back John Thune for Senate GOP leader without a specific plan for the lame duck session before Democrats take control.Fox News · 10 Nov, 10:00
In this story: John Thune · Ron Johnson · Rick Scott · Senate Republicans · South Dakota · Wisconsin
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
Comments (0)