Scoop: Cornyn flexes fundraising muscle in McConnell succession race

• Leadership races are insider games, and fundraising helps curry favor with colleagues.
• Cornyn and Thune's energized fundraising efforts could boost Republicans who have been struggling to keep up with Democrats' massive hauls this cycle, as Axios reported.

By the numbers: Cornyn pulled in $5.6 million in just the first three months of the year for Republican candidates, a source familiar with his fundraising told Axios.

• He has long been a top GOP fundraiser, and uniquely helps fellow Republicans raise money directly to their campaigns.

Thune has raised a total of $13.1 million for Republicans this cycle, and is the No. 2 fundraiser for the National Republican Senatorial Committee — behind Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.), according to a source familiar with his fundraising operation.

• The source declined to provide his quarter one total.

• Thune has also participated in more than 200 events to Cornyn's 45, according to the sources familiar.

The totals include funds raised through joint-fundraising committees and to the NRSC as well as directly for Republican senators and candidates.

Between the lines: Money matters, but it won't be the only factor in deciding who ends up taking up the mantle after McConnell.

• For example, Thune's current spot as the No. 2-ranked Senate Republican is often cited as an advantage, and Cornyn's role in pushing a bipartisan gun bill in 2022 could hurt him, multiple sources familiar with the dynamics have told Axios.