Burchett Says Thune Opposes His Bid for Blackburn’s Senate Seat
Rep. Tim Burchett says he has a good chance of being appointed to the Senate seat Sen. Marsha Blackburn will leave when she becomes Tennessee’s governor in January. Blackburn, who is governor-elect, will choose someone to serve out the remainder of her term; Burchett says the decision is hers.
Burchett said he had been told by a prominent media figure that Senate Majority Leader John Thune was trying to prevent his appointment because Burchett would not follow leadership’s instructions. He welcomed Thune’s reported opposition and said he would run for the seat if Blackburn chose someone else.
Thune denied trying to steer Blackburn’s choice, saying he had not spoken with her about the appointment. Burchett’s claims and Thune’s denial leave the reported disagreement unresolved, while the appointment remains Blackburn’s decision.
Thune’s Denial Leaves Questions Over Senate Leadership’s Role
Rep. Tim Burchett says Senate Majority Leader John Thune is trying to block him from replacing Marsha Blackburn in the Senate when she becomes Tennessee’s governor in January. The dispute puts a spotlight on whether party leadership is trying to shape a choice that belongs to Blackburn.
Burchett said a prominent media figure told him Thune opposed him because he would not follow leadership’s instructions. He says he is undeterred and would run for the seat if Blackburn appoints someone else. His account presents the contest as a test of whether lawmakers can act independently of party leaders.
Thune says he has not spoken with Blackburn about the appointment and denies trying to direct her decision. His denial does not resolve Burchett’s claim that he has been targeted. Blackburn, the governor-elect, will choose who serves out the remainder of her Senate term, with Burchett among the names being discussed.
Blackburn’s Senate Appointment Should Be Her Decision
The fight over Marsha Blackburn’s Senate successor has become a test of whether party leaders will respect a state’s choice. Blackburn, Tennessee’s governor-elect, will name someone to serve out her term when she becomes governor in January. Rep. Tim Burchett says Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working to block him.
Burchett said a prominent media figure told him Thune opposed his appointment because he would not do what leadership told him. Burchett says he welcomes the opposition and would run for the seat if he is not appointed. His account casts the contest as a choice between an independent lawmaker and a leadership-backed pick.
Thune denies trying to sway Blackburn and says he has not discussed the appointment with her. The disagreement remains between Burchett’s account and Thune’s denial. The decision is Blackburn’s, and Burchett says he believes he has a good chance of being selected.
Reported by Townhall, The Washington Examiner.
