SOUTH DAKOTA (KELO) — Senator John Thune continues his quest to be the top Republican in the Senate. Right now, he is the number two Senate Republican, referred to as the Whip. Two other senators are challenging Thune for the leadership role now held by Senator Mitch McConnel. Senator John Cornyn of Texas and Senator Rick Scott of Florida are also vying for the powerful position. Right now, fundraising and helping Republican Senate candidates in other states are two priorities for all three candidates running for leadership.
“You just want to make the argument, good argument as you possibly can, ultimately it’s up to the Republican Senators to make the decision about who they want to lead them, but I think we are giving them hopefully what is a very persuasive argument,” said Thune.
Thune says his style of leadership is different from McConnell’s, and he would represent a new generation of Senate Republicans.
“I think I can bring a style of leadership at a time in our country and a time in the United States Senate where that style is going to be important to getting accomplishments,” said Thune.
Tom- What is your style of leadership compared to McConnell’s?
“You know Senator McConnell leaves very big shoes to fill. He is a more kind of a hold-it-close-to-your-vest silent type,” said Thune. “I’m somebody who likes to attack problems early and tries to maintain relationships and hear people out. I think democratizing the Senate a bit, empowering individual senators and committee chairs.”
Thune says bringing people together to solve problems is important, especially now in what he calls challenging times.
McConnell, who has served as the Republican party’s leader for 18 years, will step down in November. Thune says he is doing all he can to be the person to fill that position. Republican Senators will vote a week after the general election in November.
