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7 GOP Senators Move To Delay Thune’s Coronation After Midterm Massacre
Seven Senate Republicans are seeking to postpone a Tuesday vote to re-elect John Thune as their leader, arguing the party should review its midterm losses before choosing its leadership. The effort, led by Ron Johnson, challenges the timing of an uncontested vote as Republicans prepare to become the Senate minority in January.
Johnson gathered the five signatures required to request a full conference meeting. Ted Budd, Rick Scott, Mike Lee and John Kennedy signed his letter; Dave McCormick and Jim Banks separately endorsed a delay. Conference Chair Tom Cotton will decide whether to postpone the vote, while Thune has left the decision to colleagues and questioned whether delay would help.
In short
- Seven Republicans want to delay the leadership vote.
- Ron Johnson is leading the effort.
- Tom Cotton will decide whether to postpone.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Republicans should examine the midterm losses before renewing their leadership, so members can assess what went wrong and whether their strategy and priorities need to change. Delaying an uncontested vote could give the conference time for a candid discussion and make its eventual choice more deliberate and accountable to members.
The case against
The leadership vote concerns who will guide the Senate Republican conference, and postponing it may prolong uncertainty just as the party prepares to enter the minority. If members already support Thune and believe a review can happen without delaying the vote, holding it as scheduled could provide continuity while leaving room to discuss the losses and adjust strategy.