Sign up for our daily briefing
Make your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what's new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Denver news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Denver
Des Moines news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des Moines
Minneapolis-St. Paul news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin Cities
Tampa Bay news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa Bay
Charlotte news in your inbox
Catch up on the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Charlotte
Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his leadership team urged fellow Republicans on a conference call today not to participate in any efforts to object to certifying Joe Biden's presidential election win in the Jan. 6 joint session, two sources on the call tell Axios.
Why it matters: This is about politics as much as about doing the right thing. McConnell expressed concern about such a vote, because the GOP would have to vote it down — something that could damage incumbents up for re-election in 2022.
- Sens. Roy Blunt and John Thune joined McConnell in making the case to colleagues today during a private caucus lunch.
What they're saying: McConnell said "there's zero sentiment" for an objection, according to sources.
- “It would be great if there were no members that took up that issue,” Thune added.
- The request comes a day after the Electoral College formalized Biden's win and hours after McConnell addressed Biden as "President-elect" in a speech on the Senate floor.
Go Deeper: Some House Republicans plan last ditch challenge to election results during Electoral College tally.