WASHINGTON — Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., on Tuesday introduced a problem to Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for the highest Republican management job within the Senate.
“The established order is damaged and large change is required,” Scott said in a tweet. “It’s time for brand new management within the Senate that unites Republicans to advance a daring conservative agenda. That’s why I’m working to be the Senate Republican Chief.”
The Florida senator first introduced the transfer throughout a gathering of GOP members, a spokesman for Scott stated.
McConnell, of Kentucky, has held the management place since 2007, making him the longest-serving GOP chief in Senate historical past.
Going into the midterm elections Tuesday, McConnell appeared to have a agency grasp on the chief’s job and Republicans appeared poised to take management of the Senate. However Democrats have been capable of flip management of a seat in Pennsylvania, successfully blocking Republicans from wresting the chamber.
“Like every of you, I’m deeply dissatisfied by the outcomes of the current election,” Scott informed colleagues in a letter Tuesday. As chair of the Senate Republican’s marketing campaign arm, the Florida senator has confronted criticism after the social gathering’s lackluster midterms efficiency.
“Regardless of what the armchair quarterbacks on TV will inform you, there isn’t a one individual chargeable for our social gathering’s efficiency throughout the nation,” Scott stated within the letter. “I do know there isn’t a scarcity of people who find themselves desirous to level fingers and assign blame right here in Washington, however I gained’t be one among them. It’s unproductive and an enormous waste of time.”
Scott’s problem was first reported by Politico.
Scott’s choice comes after he met privately with Sens. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Mike Lee of Utah, to debate a problem to McConnell.
It follows a prolonged feud between Scott and McConnell over technique and imaginative and prescient for the Republican caucus. McConnell has lengthy been the topic of ire from former President Donald Trump, who has campaigned aggressively to have him ousted as chief. McConnell publicly blamed Trump for the Jan. 6 riot.
For some members, it’s an uncomfortable place to be in.
“I don’t have any feedback,” stated Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., when requested about Scott’s problem and whether or not he plans to assist McConnell.
“I perceive that I gained’t acquire the assist of each member of our Convention, however all of us have a transparent option to make,” Scott stated in his letter to GOP colleagues. “If you happen to merely wish to persist with the established order, don’t vote for me.”
