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Thread: @SenateGOP has many strengths, but the new Senator from MO @HawleyMO joins @tomcotton @tedcruz @BenSasse in the “public intellectual” category that provides the party with an enormous edge in public debates for decades to come. 1
There’s also a veterans’ caucus that includes @LindseyGrahamSC and @ToddYoungIN from an earlier generation of military service, and 9/11 veterans @tomcotton @joniernst @marthamcsally and @SenDanSullivan. 2
These senators along with leadership need to form a flying wedge to raise money for their allies @SenatorCollins @SenCoryGardner @marthamcsally @sendavidperdue and @ThomTillis as well as @JohnJamesMI and eventual nominee in AL to assure Senate stays GOP and #CocaineMitch Leader.3
The @SenateGOP is as cohesive and effective as it has been in my lifetime and with former whip @JohnCornyn current whip @johnthune, veteran chairmen like @ChuckGrassley, and @mittromney, it needs only re-elections and couple of pickups to make great legislation possible in 2021 4
While @realDonaldTrump is well-positioned for re-election with Democratic candidates for President falling over themselves to fall over the left cliff, it would be a great advantage if the Senate put forward 2021 agenda around which the grassroots could debate and rally. 5
I discussed retirement reform w/ @SenatorCollins yesterday, and changes in retirement savings programs as well as provisions to allow seniors to pay off mortgages with tax protected dollars w/o taxable events would engage 50+ voters. 6
Add in seriousness on National Defense Authorization Act and defense appropriations (also discussed w/ @SenatorCollins hughhewitt.com/maine-senator-…) and genuine comprehensive immigration reform that stressed security alongside regularization, and @senatemajldr nationalizes races. 7
Most Americans want both border security via long strong fencing, increased technology and border personnel, and also regularization of those in country without permission who are not violent and humane treatment for detainees. Most concerned about social media concentration. 8
Newt came up with the Contract for America decades ago. @senatemajldr can do the same for the @SenateGOP and it would take some of the stage from the presidential campaign. It’s centerpiece is the Leader’s and caucus record on federal judges. 9
That record —as I’ll argue in @washingtonpost tomorrow— is endangered by lassitude on nominees from White House and a general male/female imbalance in circuit court nominees. A great opportunity exists in terms of talent to craft and persuade on an agenda as Dems lurch left. 10
But a “2021 Senate agenda” requires some months of internal deliberation and outside consultation to put forward a policy agenda for Senate 2021-2022 for candidates to campaign on in 2020. It’s worth the time and effort and @senatemajldr has standing to organize and deliver. 11
It would be a new strategy for the @SenateGOP but one worth pursuing even as some bills (and all judicial nominees) advance over next 12 months. Money not enough to keep majority. The @SenateGOP needs an #Agenda2021 as well. 12 End.
