ouri Republicans Hawley & Schmitt state that the Senate GOP needs new leadership: “Not Mitch McConnell” // Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Missouri Senate hopeful Eric Schmitt both said Monday that if Republicans win control of the U.S. Senate they won’t support Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for another term as leader. Hawley, who was speaking at a Schmitt rally in Springfield, Missouri, told a gaggle reporters that he prefers a new leader. He cited disagreements with McConnell regarding funding Ukraine’s defense versus Russia and spending legislation. Hawley said, “I don’t think I will,” when Hawley was asked if he would vote for McConnell. “I don’t know if any other senators will run or not. Nobody has indicated that they would. He said, “But my view is that there needs to be new leadership in that role.” 2022 M ELECTIONS: LIVE UPDATE Jason Rosenbaum, St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Hawley, asked Hawley who should be the next GOP leader. Hawley replied, “not Mitch McConnell.” These comments were made at Schmitt’s rally, which was organized by the state attorney general, who has previously voiced his opposition to McConnell’s leadership. Schmitt stated to reporters that he would prefer one of the Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee from Utah will lead the Republican conference. Schmitt stated at the time that “Mitch McConnell hadn’t endorsed” me and that he didn’t endorse me for leadership. MISSOURI JEUDGE HALTS PARTS of NEW VOTING LAW PRIOR to TUESDAY’S ELECTION Scmitt answered reporters Monday when asked how he would vote in next year’s leadership election. McConnell, who is 80, has been the Republican leader of the Senate for almost 15 years. He was both the majority and minority Republican leader. Despite growing calls for change from his GOP colleagues, McConnell announced his intention to run again for the presidency in January. Hawley was not the only one to refuse to vote for McConnell. Scott, a Republican from Florida, did not rule out running for the leadership in an interview that he gave on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” NBC News. Scott stated that he is not focused on anything but getting a majority Tuesday evening. Chuck Todd noted that Scott was “non-answering.” NEW HAAMPSHIRE SENATE SHOWDOWN HASSAN CHARGES BOLDUC’S ‘CASTING DUBT’ ON ELECTION After former President Donald Trump began feuding openly with the GOP leader, who refused support Trump’s unproven claims regarding the 2020 election, the opposition to McConnell grew. Trump has repeatedly demanded McConnell be replaced, even going so far as pledging it would happen if he wins the White House in 2024. Trump stated last week that “this guy does not deserve the title of leader” and that somebody will challenge him. “But I’ll tell ya, if i run, and if he wins, he won’t be leader.” Many Trump-endorsed Senate candidates have vowed not to support McConnell as leader, following the example of the former president. These include Arizona’s Senate nominee Blake Masters, who supported a challenge to McConnell Monday, Kelly Tshibaka, the Alaska GOP nominee, and Don Bolduc, the New Hampshire GOP nominee.