Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., has gained significant endorsements in the Senate Republican leader race, with North Dakota Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven throwing their support behind him. Cramer announced that he will be voting for Thune in the first secret ballot scheduled for Wednesday morning.
In an exclusive interview, Cramer expressed his confidence in Thune, stating, 'Thune has never lied to me. I can't say that of everybody.' Despite this, Cramer emphasized that he holds no 'enemies' within the conference and views the endorsement process as essential in showcasing support.
Both Cramer and Hoeven highlighted their long-standing personal relationships with Thune, emphasizing their shared history from their early days in politics in the Dakotas. Hoeven's office confirmed his endorsement of Thune on Monday, solidifying the support from all four senators representing the Dakotas.
Cramer also addressed the dynamics of the leader race, predicting that it may require a second secret ballot as a candidate needs to secure 27 votes for victory. He acknowledged the diverse endorsements received by other candidates, such as Rick Scott, noting that differing opinions exist within the party but reiterated the overall alignment of the Republican conference with President-Elect Donald Trump's agenda.
While Thune has garnered support from senators like Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., Cornyn and Scott have also received endorsements from prominent figures within the party. The absence of a direct endorsement from Trump has not deterred the competition, with each candidate vying for the crucial leadership position in the Senate.
The race for Senate Republican leader continues to intensify as the candidates seek to secure the necessary votes for victory. With endorsements playing a pivotal role in shaping the outcome, the support from influential senators like Cramer and Hoeven bolsters Thune's position as a frontrunner in the closely watched contest.
