"Thune Declares Bid to Succeed McConnell as Senate GOP Leader"

Senate GOP Whip John Thune has announced his bid to succeed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, setting up a contested battle for the top position within the Senate GOP. Thune will face competition from at least one other Republican, John Cornyn, with the possibility of others entering the race. The vote won't be held until after the November elections, and it will be conducted by secret ballot. Thune expressed his intention to help Republicans serve as a "check and balance" against the Democratic agenda.