WASHINGTON — A constellation of conservative activists who have long clashed with congressional Republican leaders issued a joint call Wednesday for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his top deputies to step down, marking the latest round of criticism the Kentucky Republican has received from members of his party.
In a letter to McConnell and in a joint news conference, the activists vented frustration with the Senate’s lack of major legislative accomplishments this year, including their failure to undo the Affordable Care Act.
“It is time for you and your leadership team to step aside, for new leadership that is committed to the promises made to the American people,” says the letter, which is signed by six activists.
Though McConnell is generally respected and well-liked by Republican senators, who determine their own leadership, some rank-and-file lawmakers have been hesitant to align themselves too closely with him lately. In recent weeks, he has come under intense criticism from elsewhere in the party, including from allies and associates of President Donald Trump, most notably Stephen Bannon, the president’s former chief strategist.
Though McConnell’s job is not seen by Republican senators to be in any immediate jeopardy, the mounting attacks he is facing have raised questions about his standing in the party.
