Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) announced at a lunch meeting with fellow Republican senators on Tuesday that he is challenging current Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for his leadership post in the new Congress. Scott is the head of the NRSC, the GOP’s Senate campaign arm. His controversial tenure resulted in Democrats narrowly retaining control of the Senate. Scott’s bid is seen more as a protest as McConnell appears to have sufficient support to remain Leader.
Sen. Rick Scott, file screen image.
Politico’s Burgess Everett got the scoop.
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President Trump spoke about a Scott challenge to McConnell in a n interview last week with Glenn Beck, “I think Rick Scott would be much better than McConnell.”
Scott posted on Twitter, “The status quo is broken and big change is needed. It’s time for new leadership in the Senate that unites Republicans to advance a bold conservative agenda. That’s why I’m running to be the Senate Republican Leader.”
Text of the Scott’s dear colleague letter on his challenge (via Fox News.)
Dear Colleagues:I ran for the Senate because, like each of you, I have core beliefs and would liketo improve our country. While I might vote a different way than you at times, I respecteach of you, your votes and your commitment to your respective states.I’m writing to you today because I believe it’s time for the Senate RepublicanConference to be far more bold and resolute than we have been in the past. We muststart saying what we are for, not just what we are against. I do not believe we cansimply continue to say the Democrats are radical, which they are. Republican votersexpect and deserve to know our plan to promote and advance conservative values. Weneed to listen to their calls for action and start governing in Washington like wecampaign back at home. There is a Republican Party that is alive and well incommunities across America. It is time there is one in Washington, D.C., too. That iswhy I am running to be Republican Leader.
Like each of you, I am deeply disappointed by the results of the recent election.Despite what the armchair quarterbacks on TV will tell you, there is no one personresponsible for our party’s performance across the country. I know there is no shortageof people who are eager to point fingers and assign blame here in Washington, but Iwon’t be one of them. It’s unproductive and a massive waste of time. We know thatchief among our problems in races across America was a lack of Republican voterturnout. There may be many reasons for that, but after travelling the country to supportour candidates I believe voters want a plan. They are begging us to tell them what wewill do when we are in charge. Unfortunately, we have continued to elect leadershipwho refuses to do that and elicits attacks on anyone that does. That is clearly notworking and it’s time for bold change. The voters are demanding it.
Since my first week in the Senate, I have listened to complaints about how theSenate operates. Some say there is not a way for their views to be heard. Some say weshould work to unite Republicans and not Democrats. Some say we should use regularorder to pass bills, which would give Senators the opportunity to debate amendmentson the floor and provide input into legislation. Some are concerned we are not passingbudgets or prioritizing spending bills. Some are concerned we don’t do enough to forcevotes on priorities with majority support in our Conference. Some believe we don’t havea positive message to run on. Some believe we don’t hold the executive branch.
accountable. Some believe we constantly give in to the Democrats and have nobackbone. Some believe we should not make deals with Chuck Schumer that a majorityof our Conference members disagree with. Some question why we are presented largespending bills we have never read or had input into and are expected to vote for themon short notice to prevent a government shutdown. Some wonder why we have littlecoordination with Republican House members. Some feel pressured to vote for billsthat are either against their core beliefs and what they campaigned on or against thebest interests of their state. Some believe Republican donor funds are only used to helpthose who support leadership. Some believe we don’t take advantage of theopportunities presented to move the Republican message forward. And then there aresome that are happy with the way things are going.I understand that I won’t gain the support of every member of our Conference,but we all have a clear choice to make. If you simply want to stick with the status quo,don’t vote for me.For those who want to get serious about ending reckless government spendingand the devastating inflation it has caused, finally take action to protect Social Securityand Medicare and preserve the promise of these programs for our children andgrandchildren, hold government accountable from the FBI to the IRS, truly combat theextreme danger posed by Communist China and refocus our military on lethal defenseinstead of woke nonsense, I ask for your support in changing the direction of the Senateand rescuing America from the dangerous path Democrats have set it on. I look forwardto having the opportunity to meet with each of you to discuss your priorities andcollaborate on how we can achieve this vision.Regardless of who we choose to be Republican Leader, I believe that we should treatthis as a job interview and demand anyone running for a position of leadership in ourconference to be transparent and explain why they deserve our support. If electedLeader, I promise you the following:1. I will always remember you elected me, and I will work with each of you toaccomplish your goals.2. I will work tirelessly to help elect all Republican Senators, whether they arelikely to support me or not.3. I will never surprise you with legislation and ask that you vote on somethingyou haven’t had an opportunity to review.4. I will always work to be transparent with each of you and to bring the conferencetogether.5. I will work with each of you to advance Republican priorities and, whenpossible, force Democrats to vote on our bills.6. I will lead the conference in developing a positive, aspirational agenda thatoutlines our legislative goals and what Senate Republicans stand for.7. I will engage with the Republican House to pass Republican priorities.8. I will never pressure you to vote in a way that is counter to what youcampaigned on or not in the best interests of your state.I humbly ask for your vote as your next Republican Leader.Respectfully,
Rick Scott
Images of letter: