![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWho will replace Mitch McConnell as the Senate’s top Republican?Published27 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Phil McCauslandBBC News, New YorkMitch McConnell announced on Wednesday that he intends to step down as the longest-serving Senate Republican leader following November’s general election.For nearly 20 years, Republicans have relied on the effective Kentucky legislator to navigate the passage of conservative priorities.Since he announced the news, Washington has moved quickly to speculate who could replace Mr McConnell, who has skilfully held his fracturing party together in recent times. Those vying to succeed Mr McConnell, 82, face the daunting prospect of appealing to competing wings of the party. The eventual replacement will have to win the support of a majority of Senate Republicans.Here are some potential successors.Senator John Cornyn of TexasImage source, Getty ImagesThe Texas senator became the first lawmaker on Thursday to officially throw his hat in the ring for the position. Mr Cornyn once served in Mr McConnell’s leadership team, and he remains a close confidant of the Kentucky politician. He is widely considered a strong Senate operator thanks to his 22 years of legislative experience.In a statement announcing he was running for Mr McConnell’s position, he pointed to this expertise. “I am asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader [Mitch] McConnell. I have learned a lot during my time both in and out of Senate leadership,” Mr Cornyn said. “Throughout my time I’ve built a track record of listening to colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop bad policies that are harmful to our nation and the conservative cause.”Being outside of leadership could also prove to be a benefit, as he did not participate in the recent deal to pass foreign aid in the Senate. He also was not part of the failed border security negotiations, which proved unpopular with the Republican Conference. And, while Mr Cornyn has taken Mr Trump to task in the past, he endorsed the former president last month. He also never supported any of Mr Trump’s challengers, which saved him from earning the Maga movement’s ire. Senator John Thune of South DakotaImage source, Getty ImagesMr Thune is typically the first mentioned of the “three Johns” who are considered the top candidates to take on Mr McConnell’s leadership position.The South Dakota senator is currently the Republican whip, second-in-command to Mr McConnell, and he is known as an effective fundraiser within his party. He also is seen as a moderating force among Republicans, who have taken a hard turn to the right under the leadership of former President Donald Trump.But Mr Thune’s position in leadership could also undermine his ambition to take on Mr McConnell’s post. Some Senate Republicans, particularly those allied with Mr Trump, have made clear they would like a fresh leader.It is worth noting that Mr Thune only endorsed the former president’s candidacy a few days before Mr McConnell’s announcement. Mr Trump also endorsed the South Dakota senator’s Republican primary challenger in 2022.Senator John Barrasso of WyomingImage source, Getty ImagesAs the Republican Conference Chair, Mr Barrasso has an influential position within Senate party leadership – and he also has never crossed Mr Trump.That could prove to be the necessary recipe to earn the support of many of his fellow Republicans if he were to pursue Mr McConnell’s leadership post. Mr Barrasso was the second senator to support Mr Trump’s candidacy ahead of the 2024 primary campaign, and he has backed a slate of candidates who are in lockstep with the former president. He immediately dismissed reporters questions when asked whether he intends to battle for Mr McConnell’s position, saying that he remains focused on the election results in November.Senator Rick Scott of FloridaImage source, Getty ImagesMr Scott angered a number of his Republican colleagues when he mounted a challenge against Mr McConnell 15 months ago. He burned further bridges with them by proposing that several popular federal programmes – such as Medicare and Social Security – be renegotiated every five years. Even Mr Trump, who has been supportive of the Florida politician, has warned Mr Scott to “be careful” about his policy suggestions. While the chances seem low that Mr Scott would run again or win the leadership position, he has maintained that the Senate needs new leadership. That comment was reflected in the statement he shared after Mr McConnell’s announcement.”I have been very clear and have long believed that we need new leadership in the Senate that represents our voters and the issues we were sent here to fight for,” Mr Scott said.The dark horsesWhile the four men are the most likely candidates, Capitol Hill can always surprise political observers. After all, few would have considered Mike Johnson, a little-known Louisiana congressman, as a viable candidate for Speaker of the House.Senator Steve Daines of Montana could be a strong dark horse contender for the job. He currently leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and is leading the party’s efforts to retake the Senate majority. Many Republicans feel bullish about their chances thanks to his efforts, and the party’s electoral success in November could lift Mr Daines’ profile further. Mr Trump has also encouraged the Montana Republican to run for the leadership post, according to a Politico report. Sen Joni Ernst of Iowa, who served as the vice-chair of the Republican conference until January, is considered another potential candidate and a reliable backer of Mr Trump. Related TopicsRepublican PartyMitch McConnellUS politicsMore on this storyMcConnell to step down as Senate Republican leaderPublished1 day agoMitch McConnell: From polio survivor to political titanPublished1 day agoTop StoriesLive. Counting begins after polls close in Rochdale by-electionMore than 100 reported killed in crowd near Gaza aid convoyPublished3 hours agoSarah Everard killer should never have been police officer, says inquiryPublished6 hours agoFeaturesAnalysis: A royal dilemma as public curiosity over Kate growsChecking Israel’s claim to have killed 10,000 Hamas fightersMore than 30,000 killed in Gaza, health ministry saysWatch: Hairy Biker Dave Myers rides on to Ready Steady Cook. VideoWatch: Hairy Biker Dave Myers rides on to Ready Steady CookListen: Sadiq Khan on Sarah Everard Murder + Islamophobia. AudioListen: Sadiq Khan on Sarah Everard Murder + IslamophobiaAttributionSounds’No hearse’ for Navalny as family prepares funeralUK asylum backlog falls with record approvalsPostcode check: How’s the NHS coping in your area?What are assisted dying, assisted suicide and euthanasia?Elsewhere on the BBCWhat is it really like to be a monk?’To be a monk is something very vast, very high and very beautiful’AttributioniPlayer’We have built the world, perhaps inadvertently, for men’Philanthropist Melinda French Gates on what she’s learned from her life so farAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThe screening dilemma…Could good intentions to detect illnesses early actually be causing more harm?AttributionSoundsMost Read1Analysis: A royal dilemma as public curiosity over Kate grows2Dave Myers’ wife remembers ‘wonderful, brave man’3’No hearse’ for Navalny as family prepares funeral4TikTok singer Cat Janice dies of cancer, aged 315At least 43 dead in Bangladesh building fire6More than 100 reported killed in crowd near Gaza aid convoy7Airport borders not working properly, report found8Sarah killer should not have been in Met – inquiry9MP Julian Knight will face no criminal charges10Horner reiterates denial after alleged messages leakAttributionSport](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/1023B/production/_132770166_0e701cc91152952fe00cff9b038e7b4c302dbe3b.jpg)
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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWho will replace Mitch McConnell as the Senate’s top Republican?Published27 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Phil McCauslandBBC News, New YorkMitch McConnell announced on Wednesday that he intends to step down as the longest-serving Senate Republican leader following November’s general election.For nearly 20 years, Republicans have relied on the effective Kentucky legislator to navigate the passage of conservative priorities.Since he announced the news, Washington has moved quickly to speculate who could replace Mr McConnell, who has skilfully held his fracturing party together in recent times. Those vying to succeed Mr McConnell, 82, face the daunting prospect of appealing to competing wings of the party. The eventual replacement will have to win the support of a majority of Senate Republicans.Here are some potential successors.Senator John Cornyn of TexasImage source, Getty ImagesThe Texas senator became the first lawmaker on Thursday to officially throw his hat in the ring for the position. Mr Cornyn once served in Mr McConnell’s leadership team, and he remains a close confidant of the Kentucky politician. He is widely considered a strong Senate operator thanks to his 22 years of legislative experience.In a statement announcing he was running for Mr McConnell’s position, he pointed to this expertise. “I am asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader [Mitch] McConnell. I have learned a lot during my time both in and out of Senate leadership,” Mr Cornyn said. “Throughout my time I’ve built a track record of listening to colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop bad policies that are harmful to our nation and the conservative cause.”Being outside of leadership could also prove to be a benefit, as he did not participate in the recent deal to pass foreign aid in the Senate. He also was not part of the failed border security negotiations, which proved unpopular with the Republican Conference. And, while Mr Cornyn has taken Mr Trump to task in the past, he endorsed the former president last month. He also never supported any of Mr Trump’s challengers, which saved him from earning the Maga movement’s ire. Senator John Thune of South DakotaImage source, Getty ImagesMr Thune is typically the first mentioned of the “three Johns” who are considered the top candidates to take on Mr McConnell’s leadership position.The South Dakota senator is currently the Republican whip, second-in-command to Mr McConnell, and he is known as an effective fundraiser within his party. He also is seen as a moderating force among Republicans, who have taken a hard turn to the right under the leadership of former President Donald Trump.But Mr Thune’s position in leadership could also undermine his ambition to take on Mr McConnell’s post. Some Senate Republicans, particularly those allied with Mr Trump, have made clear they would like a fresh leader.It is worth noting that Mr Thune only endorsed the former president’s candidacy a few days before Mr McConnell’s announcement. Mr Trump also endorsed the South Dakota senator’s Republican primary challenger in 2022.Senator John Barrasso of WyomingImage source, Getty ImagesAs the Republican Conference Chair, Mr Barrasso has an influential position within Senate party leadership – and he also has never crossed Mr Trump.That could prove to be the necessary recipe to earn the support of many of his fellow Republicans if he were to pursue Mr McConnell’s leadership post. Mr Barrasso was the second senator to support Mr Trump’s candidacy ahead of the 2024 primary campaign, and he has backed a slate of candidates who are in lockstep with the former president. He immediately dismissed reporters questions when asked whether he intends to battle for Mr McConnell’s position, saying that he remains focused on the election results in November.Senator Rick Scott of FloridaImage source, Getty ImagesMr Scott angered a number of his Republican colleagues when he mounted a challenge against Mr McConnell 15 months ago. He burned further bridges with them by proposing that several popular federal programmes – such as Medicare and Social Security – be renegotiated every five years. Even Mr Trump, who has been supportive of the Florida politician, has warned Mr Scott to “be careful” about his policy suggestions. While the chances seem low that Mr Scott would run again or win the leadership position, he has maintained that the Senate needs new leadership. That comment was reflected in the statement he shared after Mr McConnell’s announcement.”I have been very clear and have long believed that we need new leadership in the Senate that represents our voters and the issues we were sent here to fight for,” Mr Scott said.The dark horsesWhile the four men are the most likely candidates, Capitol Hill can always surprise political observers. After all, few would have considered Mike Johnson, a little-known Louisiana congressman, as a viable candidate for Speaker of the House.Senator Steve Daines of Montana could be a strong dark horse contender for the job. He currently leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and is leading the party’s efforts to retake the Senate majority. Many Republicans feel bullish about their chances thanks to his efforts, and the party’s electoral success in November could lift Mr Daines’ profile further. Mr Trump has also encouraged the Montana Republican to run for the leadership post, according to a Politico report. Sen Joni Ernst of Iowa, who served as the vice-chair of the Republican conference until January, is considered another potential candidate and a reliable backer of Mr Trump. Related TopicsRepublican PartyMitch McConnellUS politicsMore on this storyMcConnell to step down as Senate Republican leaderPublished1 day agoMitch McConnell: From polio survivor to political titanPublished1 day agoTop StoriesLive. Counting begins after polls close in Rochdale by-electionMore than 100 reported killed in crowd near Gaza aid convoyPublished3 hours agoSarah Everard killer should never have been police officer, says inquiryPublished6 hours agoFeaturesAnalysis: A royal dilemma as public curiosity over Kate growsChecking Israel’s claim to have killed 10,000 Hamas fightersMore than 30,000 killed in Gaza, health ministry saysWatch: Hairy Biker Dave Myers rides on to Ready Steady Cook. VideoWatch: Hairy Biker Dave Myers rides on to Ready Steady CookListen: Sadiq Khan on Sarah Everard Murder + Islamophobia. AudioListen: Sadiq Khan on Sarah Everard Murder + IslamophobiaAttributionSounds’No hearse’ for Navalny as family prepares funeralUK asylum backlog falls with record approvalsPostcode check: How’s the NHS coping in your area?What are assisted dying, assisted suicide and euthanasia?Elsewhere on the BBCWhat is it really like to be a monk?’To be a monk is something very vast, very high and very beautiful’AttributioniPlayer’We have built the world, perhaps inadvertently, for men’Philanthropist Melinda French Gates on what she’s learned from her life so farAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThe screening dilemma…Could good intentions to detect illnesses early actually be causing more harm?AttributionSoundsMost Read1Analysis: A royal dilemma as public curiosity over Kate grows2Dave Myers’ wife remembers ‘wonderful, brave man’3’No hearse’ for Navalny as family prepares funeral4TikTok singer Cat Janice dies of cancer, aged 315At least 43 dead in Bangladesh building fire6More than 100 reported killed in crowd near Gaza aid convoy7Airport borders not working properly, report found8Sarah killer should not have been in Met – inquiry9MP Julian Knight will face no criminal charges10Horner reiterates denial after alleged messages leakAttributionSport
[ad_1] The South Dakota senator is currently the Republican whip, second-in-command to Mr McConnell, and he is known as an effective fundraiser within his party. He also is seen as…
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaPutin warns West against sending troops to UkrainePublished6 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, The West “provoked” the conflict in Ukraine, President Putin saidBy Laura GozziBBC NewsRussian President Vladimir Putin has warned Western countries against sending troops to Ukraine.The consequences of such a decision would be “tragic”, he said.In his annual state of the nation address, President Putin accused the West of trying to drag Russia into an arms race.At the same time, he said that Russia needed to strengthen its defences on its western border now that Sweden and Finland were joining Nato.President Putin said the West “provoked” the conflict in Ukraine and “continues to lie, without any embarrassment, saying that Russia allegedly intends to attack Europe”. Probably referring to comments by French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week that sending Nato ground troops to Ukraine “could not be excluded”, President Putin said: “The consequences for possible interventionists will be… tragic.””We also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory,” he added. “All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilisation. Don’t they get that?”Several Nato countries, including the US, Germany and the UK, ruled out deploying ground troops to Ukraine.The US has criticised the Russian president’s latest remarks regarding the possibility of nuclear warfare. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said it was “not the first time we have seen irresponsible rhetoric from Vladimir Putin”.”It is no way for the leader of a nuclear armed state to speak,” he said, adding that the US has seen no evidence that Moscow is planning to launch such weapons. Rosenberg: How two years of war have changed Russia’If not Putin, then who?’ – How Russians view looming electionsPresident Putin also boasted about Russia’s sophisticated weapons – like hypersonic aircraft and unmanned underwater vehicles – and said that Russia’s strategic nuclear forces are in a “state of full readiness”.Notably, President Putin explicitly referred to the two years of fighting in Ukraine as a “war”, despite his repeated insistence that Russia’s invasion should be described as a “special military operation”. He said that an “absolute majority” of Russians supported his decision to invade Ukraine, and that the Russian people were now united against what he called Western attempts to weaken the country.He also hit out at accusations from the US that Russia is developing nuclear weapons for use against satellites in space.The speech came just over two weeks before Russia’s presidential election, in which President Putin is widely expected to win a fifth term in office.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the address could “to a large degree be seen as [Putin’s] election programme”.Indeed, much of the address focused on domestic issues ranging from the modernisation of the tax system to pensions and incentives aimed at boosting Russia’s dwindling birth rate.He also talked about the need to improve the health of the nation, announcing a series of measures aimed at boosting Russia’s life expectancy, which at 70 is currently one of the lowest in Europe.Urging people to focus on physical activity and cut down alcohol consumption, he joked: “Stop drinking and start skiing!”Image source, Mikhail SvetlovImage caption, President Putin is a keen skier – and a near-teetotallerThe speech lasted a record two hours and was attended by all senior politicians, the CEOs of oil and gas firms Rosneft and Gazprom, as well as religious leaders of all denominations.It was broadcast on giant screens across Moscow, and several cinemas in Russian cities reportedly screened it free of charge. As expected, there was no mention of the death of Alexei Navalny, the opposition leader who died in a Siberian penal colony two weeks ago and who many saw as President Putin’s greatest opponent. Navalny, who will be buried in Moscow on Friday, died under circumstances yet to be fully established on 16 February. His widow Yulia has insisted that President Putin was responsible.Related TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaVladimir PutinMore on this storyRosenberg: How two years of war have changed RussiaPublished7 days ago’If not Putin, then who?’ – How Russians view looming electionsPublished31 JanuaryTop StoriesMore than 100 reported killed in crowd near Gaza aid convoyPublished35 minutes agoChecking Israel’s claim to have killed 10,000 Hamas fightersPublished4 hours agoSarah Everard killer should never have been police officer, says inquiryPublished3 hours agoFeaturesAnalysis: A royal dilemma as public curiosity over Kate growsChecking Israel’s claim to have killed 10,000 Hamas fightersMore than 30,000 killed in Gaza, health ministry saysListen: Sadiq Khan on Sarah Everard Murder + Islamophobia. AudioListen: Sadiq Khan on Sarah Everard Murder + IslamophobiaAttributionSoundsUK asylum backlog falls with record approvalsWatch: Hairy Biker Dave Myers rides on to Ready Steady Cook. VideoWatch: Hairy Biker Dave Myers rides on to Ready Steady CookBorn on 29 February: ‘Being a leapling feels special’Postcode check: How’s the NHS coping in your area?Why a skatepark has been given listed statusElsewhere on the BBCWhat is it really like to be a monk?’To be a monk is something very vast, very high and very beautiful’AttributioniPlayer’We have built the world, perhaps inadvertently, for men’Philanthropist Melinda French Gates on what she’s learned from her life so farAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThe screening dilemma…Could good intentions to detect illnesses early actually be causing more harm?AttributionSoundsMost Read1Analysis: A royal dilemma as public curiosity over Kate grows2Dave Myers’ wife remembers ‘wonderful, brave man’3Steve Coogan and firms sued over Richard III film4Sainsbury’s cuts 1,500 jobs in bid to reduce costs5TikTok singer Cat Janice dies of cancer, aged 316Putin warns West against sending troops to Ukraine7Checking Israel’s claim to have killed 10,000 Hamas fighters8Slave Play: No 10 criticises black-only audiences9The Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers dies at 6610Sarah killer should not have been in Met – inquiry](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/11663/production/_132776217_putin_getty.jpg)
