Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., on Tuesday would not give a straight answer when asked if Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is helping or hurting their party.
"We need leadership on these big issues," Johnson said after a long pause when asked if the GOP is better or worse off with McConnell in charge during an interview with the Washington Examiner.
He added the party's leaders need to "develop legislation that the public supports that is far more saleable [sic] than in the past."
When asked if McConnell has shown the necessary leadership ability, Johnson slowly responded, "we didn't get it with healthcare. We will see what happens with tax reform."
Johnson was also asked about those who criticize the majority leader for seeming to care more about retaining his position than passing reforms.
"Let's face it, the vast majority of members of Congress, their primary motivation is getting elected, and unfortunately it's about maintaining majorities, but to what end?" Johnson asked.
He then noted the majority has "not enacted conservative policies."
Johnson later denied wanting to take over a leading role in the party.
"I don't envy leadership and their task," Johnson added. "It's not easy. That's why I don't want to be personally critical because it is an enormous challenge. We've got a broad spectrum here. We've got, like, no room for error. So again I don't envy their task. It's tough."
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