Ron Johnson threatens to boycott Senate GOP leadership vote

Sen. Ron Johnson threatened to walk out of Tuesday's Senate GOP leadership election, demanding a conference to discuss the party's direction after significant midterm losses. He said he will not participate in the vote if it proceeds as scheduled. Johnson needs majority support from the Senate GOP conference to delay the secret-ballot election. He denied interest in challenging Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who is running for leader, but some conservatives have expressed frustration with Thune's leadership. Johnson criticized President Trump's midterm strategy, saying "plenty of blame" exists after Republicans lost control of both chambers. Sen. Dave McCormick has also pressed colleagues to delay the vote, while Thune anticipates a "very engaged conversation" at Tuesday's meeting.