Thune cuts $4 million check in major leadership play
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U.S. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD) speaks during a news conference. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) is cutting a $4 million check for the GOP's campaign arm, as he seeks to woo support for his bid to replace Mitch McConnell.
Why it matters: Thune's move — which he announced to his colleagues in a closed-door lunch Tuesday — is the single largest transfer ever to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. It comes as the long, until now sleepy race for GOP leader kicks into gear.
- Thune and his main rival, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), spent the summer touting big fundraising hauls and schmoozing with candidates and former President Trump.
- NRSC Chair Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) made a call for donations during the Republican conference's first post-recess lunch.
- Daines has been raising the alarm about the money gap between the GOP and Democrats this cycle.
By the numbers: Thune will pull from more than $18 million in cash on hand he's accumulated over the years, according to his latest FEC filing.
- Both Thune and Cornyn have brought in more than $20 million each this cycle, providing a major boost to Republican campaigns.
- Cornyn also has been a consistent top fundraiser for senators and candidates.
- Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who has pitched himself as the leadership candidate willing to make drastic changes to the way the chamber is run, has not done the same kind of fundraising — in part because of the demands of his own competitive reelection bid.
The big picture: The Senate has just three weeks in session before Nov. 5. It will be a critical time for Thune and Cornyn to each make the case they're the best choice to replace McConnell — and to nail down commitments.
- Cornyn sent a letter to colleagues Monday outlining some of his priorities, including a commitment to defending the filibuster and signaling a focus on beefed up defense spending.
- Scott is the only leadership candidate who will be in Philadelphia Tuesday night to support Trump at the debate.
What we're hearing: Our conversations with sources indicate that senators are mostly keeping their cards close to the vest in terms of who they'll back for leader.
- They're waiting to see how the election plays out, and whether Trump decides to weigh in or any new candidates throw their hats in the ring.
- There is a vague sense that Thune has the upper hand, with many people pointing to the active leadership role he's carved out as whip.
- But vibes aren't votes and don't win secret ballot contests.
