Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming asked his Republican colleagues for support to remain as the No. 2 party leader next year, saying the GOP needs to offer a “clear alternative” to Democrats following its sweeping Election Day losses.
Barrasso, in a letter to colleagues Monday, said Senate Republicans had a “difficult night” last Tuesday and that they “have both an obligation and an opportunity to demonstrate that we heard the unmistakable message voters sent.”
“As the opposition party in the Senate, we must be equally clear about what we stand for and what we will fight against. We need to draw sharp, principled contrast with the left-wing Majority,” Barrasso wrote in the letter to colleagues, a copy of which was obtained by POLITICO.
Barrasso currently serves as Senate GOP whip and is expected to run unopposed for the position in Tuesday’s election. His pitch to his colleagues come as they are openly grappling with how to move forward after losing control of the Senate last week.
Barrasso said in the letter that while “bipartisan accomplishments matter,” that “bipartisanship cannot come at the expense of our principles.”
A group of conservative senators led by Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is pushing to delay the leadership elections and has requested a conference meeting to discuss the request Tuesday morning. Barring a broader mutiny that few Republicans expect, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota is expected to be reelected as top GOP leader later in the day.
Barrasso didn’t address the calls for a delay in his letter, but he argued that Senate Republicans will be more effective over the next two years if they are united.
“Our effectiveness will depend on our ability to work together, make tough decisions, and communicate openly,” Barrasso said. “Every Senator deserves to be heard. Every concern deserves consideration. We will not agree on everything, but we remain united in our purpose.”
