Senate GOP Leadership Race Intensifies Amid Trump's Recess Appointment Demands

In the run-up to the selection of a new Senate GOP leader, President-elect Donald Trump is urging candidates to bypass Senate votes for quicker appointments. Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott are in a close race for leadership, with Trump emphasizing the need for recess appointments.

Donald Trump, the President-elect, is applying pressure on Republican candidates for Senate leadership to allow recess appointments. This comes just days before Senate Republicans are set to select their new leader, who will replace Mitch McConnell.

Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott are contending in a tightly contested election to lead the GOP conference. They have been eager to demonstrate their allegiance to Trump, who has not endorsed any candidate but issued a call to bypass regular Senate orders for filling his Cabinet positions.

With the race in flux, Trump's demands create a test for the Senate candidates. The battle is viewed as influential with senators pledging transparency and a closer relationship with Trump than McConnell, as the GOP races towards a new era of leadership.

(With inputs from agencies.)