**Trump Allies Push for Rick Scott as GOP Senate Leader Ahead of High-Stakes Election**

WASHINGTON - With just days to go before the critical vote to choose the successor to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, allies of President-elect Donald Trump are vocalizing their support and applying pressure to influence the outcome. Trump's prominent supporters, including Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk, have launched a campaign to bolster Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., as the ideal candidate to lead the Senate GOP in alignment with Trump’s vision.

McConnell, recognized as the longest-serving party leader in the Senate's history, will step down from his leadership role in January. The discreet election to choose his successor among Republican senators is scheduled for Wednesday. The primary contenders for this influential position are Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, both of whom have longstanding connections with McConnell.

However, Sen. Rick Scott has garnered considerable backing from Trump supporters and key figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Supporters argue that Scott's unwavering loyalty to Trump makes him the best candidate to advance the administration's agenda. This endorsement effort by Trump's allies serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive influence operating within Trump's Washington.

Tucker Carlson has criticized Cornyn’s alignment, likening his stance to that of Liz Cheney, a known Trump critic. Meanwhile, Musk has simply stated, "Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader!" on social media. This push for Scott also revives tensions stemming from the longstanding rivalry between Trump and McConnell, which intensified following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

Thune and Cornyn, each seasoned leaders with extensive fundraising and campaigning experience, emphasize their readiness to swiftly implement Trump's agenda. Though they faced backlash after condemning Trump's actions during the Capitol riot, both have since sought to mend their relationships with Trump and positioned themselves as key supporters of his goals.

Scott, who recently secured a second Senate term, campaigns on his close working relationship with Trump and his desire to enact significant changes in Senate operations to facilitate Trump’s initiatives. Vocal endorsements from Senators such as Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., bolster Scott’s candidacy.

As the race continues, Trump has demanded that any candidate for Senate leadership agrees to facilitate recess appointments, a mechanism allowing temporary appointments without lengthy Senate confirmations. Thune, Cornyn, and Scott have all expressed alignment with this demand, showcasing their dedication to ensuring swift confirmations for Trump's Cabinet and other nominees.

The outcome of Wednesday’s secret ballot remains uncertain, with many senators yet to publicly declare their vote. However, the influence and pressure from Trump's allies highlight the high stakes and the transformative potential of this leadership decision for the future direction of the Senate under the incoming administration.