In the lead-up to next weeks GOP leadership vote Donald Trump is pushing for changes that would let him bypass Senate approval for some appointments (a move that would shift traditional power balance)
The secret-ballot election features three main contenders: John Thune‚ John Cornyn and Rick Scott — each trying to show their pro-Trump stance; the winner will take over from Mitch McConnell who led Senate Republicans for about 20 yrs
The candidates are working hard to get Trumps backing which could be key to winning the top spot: this includes supporting his ideas about changing Senate rules. The race shows how Trump still shapes party decisions even as McConnell — who had different views on Senate traditions — steps down from his long-time role
All three hopefuls have different backgrounds but share one thing in common; they want to prove theyre the best choice to work with Trump after his expected return to office. The winner will need to balance traditional Senate procedures with Trumps wish for faster appointments