The Iowa Standard has been unable to find anything definitive from Senators Chuck Grassley or Joni Ernst as it relates to today’s expected leadership vote for Republicans in the United States Senate.
Senators John Thune, John Cornyn and Rick Scott are the likely choices for the position. The vote will be done in secret by Senate Republicans.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn announced late Tuesday she would be supporting Sen. Rick Scott. Blackburn was listed as supporting one of the other options in the alleged leaked list.
“After talking with (Sen. Rick Scott Tuesday) and asking questions in the forum hosted by (Sen. Mike Lee), it’s clear he’s the best candidate to pass (President Trump’s) agenda and fight for our conservative values,” Blackburn said.
Lee, who endorsed Scott before he left the forum, said that Scott is “a little more aligned” with Trump’s agenda.
After the meeting, Lee also said the Senate has ceased to function as “the world’s greatest deliberative body” in recent years as majority leaders from both parties have “consolidated power” at the expense of every senator.
Sen. Ron Johnson endorsed Scott and said the forum will forge a better leader regardless of who wins the leadership election.
Scott also has been publicly endorsed by Senators Bill Hagerty, Rand Paul, Tommy Tuberville and Marco Rubio.
Sen. Josh Hawley has thrown his support behind Cornyn.
Senators Mike Rounds, Kevin Cramer, John Hoeven and Markwayne Mullin have already endorsed Thune for the leadership position.
Ernst, who pledged to serve just two terms in the U.S. Senate but would be running for a third if she decides to run for re-election in 2026, is seeking to be the Chairwoman of the Republican Conference — the No. 3 spot in Senate Republican leadership.
