MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — Sen. John Thune of South Dakota is competing intensely to become the next Republican leader in the Senate. Senators John Cornyn of Texas, a former whip and strong fundraiser, and Rick Scott of Florida, a Trump ally, are also running for leader. Others could still jump in the race. Thune recently pledged a record-setting $4 million to the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, held meetings this spring with every colleague to lock in support and has crisscrossed the country to boost Republicans’ bid to win a Senate majority. But Thune’s bid could ultimately hinge on whether Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gets involved in the leadership election.
