HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — Senator John Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Democrat, has stirred speculation about his place in the party he regularly picks at.
His social media swipes at progressive colleagues and targeted criticisms made to conservative reporters are leading some of his coworkers to consider his potential departure from the Democratic caucus. That buzz has reached the head of the rival party, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who revealed Tuesday he’s talked with Fetterman about expanding the Republican majority.
“I have had conversations with him in the past, as have many of my colleagues about the challenges he faces in his caucus,” Thune told reporters at the Capitol. “And, you know, there are many of us who I think would welcome the opportunity to have him join the Republican conference, but, you know, ultimately that’s a decision that’s up to him.”
Fetterman has insisted for much of the past year he will stay a Democrat but opened a door to leaving the party last week, when he warned his caucus against taking an explicit stance against Israel. The senator has remained a staunch defender of the American ally despite its destabilizing behavior in the Middle East.
“If our party ever becomes, and just make it official as the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave because that’s been a moral clarity for me,” Fetterman said.
Do you have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.