Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is now on "uncertain ground" after the sudden resignation of House Speaker John Boehner,
The Wall Street Journal reports.
Conservative groups verbally thrashed him Monday after a Senate bill to temporarily fund the federal government — without the removal of Planned Parenthood funding — was okayed by a vote of 77-19.
And the Journal says those same groups feel newly emboldened with McConnell not having Boehner, his "battle-tested House partner," by his side.
As well, McConnell has had little chance to get to know Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who is expected to take over for Boehner.
"Their styles differ, too. A dispassionate strategist, Mr. McConnell views politics as an impersonal endeavor in which victories are based on tactics. He believes people can fight on one issue and get along on the next," The Journal's Siobhan Hughes and Kristina Peterson write.
"An affable Californian, Mr. McCarthy concentrates on building relationships, which he sees as essential to legislative success. Mr. McConnell, an avid reader, invites authors to closed-door Senate lunches. Mr. McCarthy plays basketball with his colleagues."
But McConnell is likely not in danger of losing his position.
"The onus will be on the new speaker, probably more so than McConnell," former Senate Republican aide Brian Walsh, told the newspaper.
On Tuesday, McCarthy, told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program that the House needs a
"new culture."
"A lot of people care about power, care about the institution more than they care about changing lives of everyday Americans," the California Republican said.
An effective speaker, he said, "brings people together, lets every voice be heard, and brings [them] from the bottom up. We can make some great accomplishments and make some real change."
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