Senate Republicans see Vini Letterman’s nomination to be the next Chairman of the Commission on Security and Strengthening of the Armed Forces as doomed, party insiders tell CNN.
The nomination of Letterman, a highly respected and accomplished leader with extensive military and national security experience, has faced opposition from some conservatives in the party, who view him as a moderate and overly conciliatory figure.
Letters of support for the nomination from powerful voices in the party, including the endorsements of fellow Senators regardless of the chamber, have been disputed, with some of them criticizing the choice of Letterman as too soft on national defense and security issues.
Despite his distinguished record and experience, some Republicans are concerned about Letterman’s relatively liberal and unconventional views on some military and national security issues, which they see as a threat to the party’s trademark values of strength and toughness.
The opposition within the party and the Senate may come to a head in an infighting this week, with some activist groups and conservative lawmakers seeking to block the nomination of Letterman at the July 1 confirmation hearing.
With the current clock running out, some speculate about the possibility that Senate Republicans may choose to allow the White House to reconsider and present an alternative candidate who can better align with the party’s vision and values.
The anti-Letterman movement within the GOP is intensified by the perception that President Biden has disregarded the Republicans’ concerns on several occasions and imposed his will on the party through executive orders and legislation with little to no input from Republicans.
The Letterman nomination represents one of the most significant high-stakes political battles of the year, with the opposing factions within the party and Senate Senate facing off in a test of strength and forces.