Thune’s preference: For Trump to publicly stay out of GOP leader race

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the No. 2 Senate Republican, said on Thursday that he would prefer incoming President Donald Trump not publicly endorse in the three-way race to succeed GOP Leader Mitch McConnell.

Thune, during an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” acknowledged that Trump “could exert a considerable amount of influence” on the race if he wanted to, but added: “My preference would be, and I think it’s probably in his best interest, to stay of that. These Senate secret ballot elections are probably best left to senators, and he’s got to work with all of us when it’s all said and done.”

Thune and Trump have a complicated history, but the South Dakota Republican has worked to repair their relationship. The two have spoken several times, and allies of the both men now believe they are in a good spot. Furthermore, Thune is echoing advice that several other GOP senators, including some of the former president’s allies, have said publicly: That he should stay out of the internal leadership race.

But some conservatives are pushing Trump to enter the race. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said Thursday that Trump should endorse Florida Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who has been actively courting Trump’s support.