Staff Reports
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is gearing up for a potential victory lap in the race to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) later this year. In what’s sure to be a heated clash, senators have hinted that fundraising chops could ultimately tip the scales in Cornyn’s favor. And boy, oh boy, does Cornyn have some financial muscle to flex.
What are your thoughts on Cornyn on taking McConnel's place? I want Rand Paul. https://t.co/pKk5opgDc2
— Smurf ❌ (@Smurf4555) March 11, 2024
As the second-best moneymaker in the Senate, right behind good ol’ McConnell, Cornyn hails from the Lone Star State, where the cash apparently flows like barbecue sauce. He’s already opened up the coffers, doling out and raking in millions of dollars for his fellow Grand Old Party soldiers. The man’s got moolah to spare, and he’s not afraid to spread the wealth.
In the race for the leadership role, Cornyn’s got a formidable opponent in the form of Sen. John Thune (R-SD). This South Dakota senator is no slouch either when it comes to raising dough, but Cornyn’s deep pockets have some folks singing his praises.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) chimed in, emphasizing the importance of having a leader who can snag those big bucks to grease the wheels of reelection. “Fundraising prowess is key,” he declared, adding, “It’s essential to have a head honcho who’s got a knack for making it rain.” It’s clear that Cornyn’s ability to fill up the campaign coffers has not gone unnoticed.
Having tossed more than a cool $14 million into the mix for his Republican pals, Cornyn is proving to be the golden goose of the party. And let’s not forget his past fundraising triumphs, where he waved a hefty $20 million flag in the last election cycle. That’s a whole lot of cheddar! With figures like these, Cornyn shows no signs of slowing down.
While Thune has been hustling and bustling to ramp up his own fundraising game, claiming the title of Senate minority whip, it’s clear that Cornyn’s money-making mojo has captured the attention of his peers. Even Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) acknowledged Cornyn’s financial prowess, acknowledging that the ability to rake in those Benjamins will be a deciding factor in his vote.
But hey, Thune is no benchwarmer in the money game either. He’s been drumming up some serious cash flow, playing second fiddle only to committee Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT). However, it’s crystal-clear that the spotlight is shining mighty bright on Cornyn’s impressive piggy bank as the battle for leadership heats up.
In a surprising twist, even Thune’s fellow South Dakota senator, Mike Rounds, threw his weight behind Thune. But he made sure to sprinkle a healthy dose of praise on Cornyn, acknowledging his fundraising finesse, saying, “John Thune can more than match anyone in the Senate on that.”
Now, let’s not forget about the fundraising tycoon himself, McConnell, who’s cooked up a staggering $1.6 billion for Senate Republicans through his two outside cash machines. But it’s clear that Cornyn’s campaign cash fireworks are lighting up the sky, and you can bet this showdown is far from over. Get your popcorn ready, folks, because this fundraising fiesta is just getting started!
