‘He’s even worse’: John Thune slammed as he joins race to succeed Mitch McConnell as Senate leader

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA: Senate minority whip John Thune formally announced his bid to replace outgoing Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, reported the New York Post.

The No. 2 Senate Republican declared his decision to run during an interview with local South Dakota news outlet KELO-TV on Monday, March 4.

A reporter asked Thune whether he wanted to succeed McConnell as the new party leader.

"Well, I hope to be, and I'm going to do everything I can to convince my colleagues," he responded, adding, "They're the voters. They're the ones who ultimately make the decision."

The South Dakota Senator, currently the second in command, is technically next in line for the position but will likely encounter tough competition from other Republicans.

In late February, 82-year-old McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader, announced he would step down as the Republican leader in November.

Sen John Thune expresses confidence to lead Senate GOP

Further into the interview with KELO-TV, Thune, who recently endorsed Donald Trump's presidential race, emphasized that he was ready to lead the upper chamber's new generation of conservative leadership against the Biden-Schumer agenda.

"As we look at a new generation of consistent, principled, conservative leadership in the United States Senate that empowers our Senate Republicans, that puts a check and balance against the Schumer, what has been a very liberal Schumer-Biden agenda, I'm prepared to lead that effort," the Senator said.

In another interview with Dakota News Now, Thune revealed he was already meeting his colleagues and "hearing from them about what they want to see in the next leader" and their priorities in the event of Republicans taking control of the Senate after the November election.

"For me, it's really about trying to be a difference-maker," he said. "I think I have something to contribute there. I think we're ready for a new generation of consistent, principled, conservative leadership for Republicans in the United States Senate that empowers our individual members, gets back to doing things under regular order."

Thune further indicated the opportunity as a "chance for a reset," which he would like to be a part of.

He is the second Senator to announce the bid, the first being Sen John Cornyn from Texas, who entered the race in late February. Sen Rick Scott from Florida is also "seriously" considering running for the position but has not made any formal announcement yet.

Internet against Sen John Thune's race

Social media users, labeling Thune a "RINO" (Republican in name only)" unanimously voiced their opposition to the possibility of him replacing McConnell as the No. 1 Senate Republican.

One user plainly stated, "Absolutely NOT!"

While another person said, "He's even worse."

"Well, that doesn’t scream change in leadership," opined a third user.

Someone else opined, "No more Republican Rinos dressed as Democrats."

Another one asked, "Is this the best they have?"

"The US Senate is a place for old men Jesus Christ!" a disappointed person stated.

Another wrote, "Let's go losers. we got more losing to do!"

Another user remarked, "This is why the GOP can’t have nice things…..he will be worse than McConnell or Ryan….."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.