"Senate GOP Leadership Race: Thune In, Barrasso Out, Earmark Battle Emerges"
Sen. John Barrasso will run for the No. 2 position of whip instead of Senate Republican leader, leaving the race to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell between Sen. John Thune and Sen. John Cornyn. Barrasso emphasized the need for change and greater openness in a letter to colleagues. Sen. Thune officially announced his run and expressed his desire for principled conservative leadership. Sen. Tom Cotton plans to run for the No. 3 position of Republican conference chair.