Staff Reports
Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso of Wyoming threw his cowboy hat into the ring on Tuesday, declaring his bid to replace Senate Minority Whip John Thune from South Dakota as the No. 2 Senate Republican. Yeehaw!
Barrasso says he will seek Thune’s leadership position rather than McConnell’s https://t.co/xFiySbhVKD https://t.co/xFiySbhVKD
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 5, 2024
Barrasso, who was already a top contender to succeed outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, decided to go for the GOP whip role, making him the lone ranger in the race. This leaves the door wide open for a true red-blooded conservative to swoop in and reel in McConnell’s job.
The Wyoming warrior wrote a letter to his GOP posse, urging them to lasso up and support him in his quest to be the Assistant Republican Leader. He made it clear that he’s got his spurs set on shaking things up and offering a fresh trail for the Republican herd in the Senate.
Meanwhile, McConnell, the wily old cowboy who’s been leading the Senate for what seems like an eternity, announced that he’s rustling up his last round-up as head of the GOP posse. This has stirred up a whole stampede of interest in who will step into his boots, with names like Barrasso, Thune, and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas being tossed around like a tumbleweed in a dust storm.
Speaking of the Three Johns, all members of McConnell’s leadership team, they’ve been wranglin’ and ridin’ for years, with Cornyn getting roped out of his role as whip to make room for Thune, but still being a trusted sidekick to McConnell. These guys are like a trio of wild stallions vying for the top spot.
And just when the dust seemed to settle, Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who had previously tried to corral McConnell in 2022, is chompin’ at the bit to join the race. It’s like a good ol’ western showdown with no clear winner in sight.
But wait, there’s even more commotion in the corral! Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, yet another one of McConnell’s allies, announced his plans to ride for Barrasso’s leadership role. It’s like a good ol’ fashioned free-for-all, with more twists and turns than a rattlesnake in a sandstorm.
Barrasso, a former bone doctor turned cowboy politician, is known for being the most conservative of the Three Johns. He’s been rounding up criticism for the Biden administration and leading the charge on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. This cowboy’s got some serious grit and isn’t afraid to show it.
To top it all off, Barrasso was the first of the three hombres to tip his hat to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 GOP showdown, with Cornyn and Thune following in behind. Looks like Barrasso’s got a strong grip on the reins when it comes to backing the former President.
This battle for leadership in the Senate is far from over, folks. The dust is still flying, and it’s anybody’s guess who will come out on top. So, saddle up, grab your boots, and get ready to watch the wildest political rodeo in town!
