Staff Reports
A power struggle is brewing in Washington, D.C., and it revolves around who will take up the mantle of Senate GOP leader as Mitch McConnell prepares to hang up his leadership hat at the end of the year—while still keeping his Senate seat warm, of course. The contest is heating up among three heavyweights: Minority Whip John Thune from South Dakota, John Cornyn from Texas, and Rick Scott from Florida. It’s a real showdown, reminiscent of a Wild West standoff—only in this case, the cowboys are wielding PAC checks instead of six-shooters.
Thune and Cornyn, good old boys who have been cozying up to McConnell for years, are already flexing their fundraising muscles. They’ve collectively raked in over $40 million to ensure the GOP can stay strong, especially as the midterms loom large. It seems that these two seasoned senators have taken to fundraising like ducks to water, as they work tirelessly to ensure their party remains competitive, from deep-blue Pennsylvania to the ever-reliable Texas.
@SenateGOP I have given to the NRSC in the past but not in the last 2 yrs. If you elect Cornyn or Thune I will continue to withhold my donations. They are democrats
GOP cash bonanza driving race to replace McConnell – Washington Examiner https://t.co/dD5TZPyoBR
— Archangelmuriel (@archangelmuriel) August 28, 2024
Cornyn’s fundraising efforts are particularly impressive, nearing $23 million by the end of June. His recent summer endeavors took him across Texas, coast-to-coast, attending fundraisers for the Trump-Vance campaign, proving that he’s rallying the troops in true Texan style. He’s spreading the wealth too, ensuring that every Senate GOP colleague up for reelection feels the love, regardless of how strong their seat is—talk about a generous party member!
Thune is no slouch either, seeing his fundraising tally soar past $20 million this cycle. He’s been working harder than an over-caffeinated barista, hitting around 170 events by November. His work is taking him to battleground states like Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin—places that are crucial for Republican hopes to reclaim supremacy. If there’s a ground game being played, Thune is in the thick of it, rallying support wherever he can.
Then there’s Rick Scott, who’s up for reelection and facing a challenge against Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Despite this, he hasn’t let his own campaign hinder his efforts to raise significant cash for the greater Republican cause. He’s been spreading dollar bills like confetti, helping out races in crucial swing states—Nevada, Ohio, and Arizona all ring a bell. His past as the NRSC chairman might give him a leg-up in this intricate dance, especially if he can bring some new recruits to the Senate floor.
Despite the friendly business of fundraising, the contest to succeed McConnell won’t be resolved until after the elections. Until then, Thune and Cornyn are viewed as the front-runners. The outcome could very well hinge on how many new senators join the ranks. After all, it’s easier to push through an agenda when there are more hands on deck, especially from allies who might owe their seats to the very fundraising machin
