Republican attempts to find McConnell replacement lead to in-fighting over best path forward

As the Senate GOP gears up for the election to replace outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, it’s not entirely clear how the party will move forward.

For some, like Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, the choice is about avoiding the status quo that has led to so much quarreling and gridlock. In a recent Fox News op-ed, he even went so far as to say the decision will determine if former President Donald Trump can lead effectively, should he be elected in November.

“With the election on the horizon, America’s eyes are glued to battleground states. Days after the national election, however, a new battleground will emerge in the United States Senate. Even if Donald Trump wins the White House, he could quietly lose his ability to govern in the Senate,” Lee wrote.

“With Sen. Mitch McConnell stepping down, Senate Republicans will choose a new leader for the first time in 18 years this November. With this decision, we have an opportunity to decide how the Senate conducts business going forward – and the ability to either strengthen or undermine a second Trump term,” he continued.

He made it clear that a Trump presidency would be on a time limit, as he would be unable to run for another term. This means Republicans have 4 years to reverse the radical progressivism that has invaded American politics of late, and charter a more conservative course for America’s future. It also means there is no time to waste with obstructionist RINO picks who wish to satisfy Democrat whims more than siding with their president.

“To avoid the gridlock of business as usual, it is imperative that we structure the Senate in a way that gives individual senators real legislative power, not just lip service. We must be able to amend bills, debate issues openly, and advocate for conservative priorities in a meaningful way,” he explained.

Several big names are running for the seat McConnell is vacating. Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-South Dakota, and Senators John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rick Scott, R-Florida. Scott, for his part, agrees with Lee’s push to democratize the conference and decentralize its power.

But for those like Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, an ally of McConnell, such changes are not welcome. Tillis sent a letter to the conference as well, shortly after Lee, voicing his own opinion.

“It may be true that many Americans would be shocked to know that members may not be able to offer amendments,” he wrote.

However, Tillis continued, “I suspect many Americans would also be shocked to know that any one member can grind the legislative process to a halt while attempting to advance an amendment that a supermajority of our conference is against.”

Lee and others have previously been able to prevent advancing amendments by denying unanimous consent, which is something the upper chamber often runs on. This allows just one member to throw a monkey wrench in the process

“Often it is the same cohort of individuals who are decrying the centralization of power that do everything – not with the intention of yielding that result – but all of their behaviors drive the decision-making into the leader’s office at the 11th and a half hour,” remarked a former GOP leadership aide.

It remains to be seen which path forward Republicans will choose: Opting for the old and familiar ways or carving a new path for themselves.

Sierra Marlee

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