Thune swings through the South with post-Labor Day fundraising blitz

EXCLUSIVE — Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) raised more than $250,000 for Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and another six figures for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in his first fundraising swing since Labor Day, the Washington Examiner has learned.Thune traveled to Lexington, Kentucky, for a Thursday evening fundraiser on behalf of Barr, the GOP nominee to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in the Senate. The following day, he visited Mississippi to raise money for Hyde-Smith, who is running for her second full term in November. Recommended Stories The Mississippi leg included a grassroots event in DeSoto County that attracted around 100 people, according to a source familiar with Thune’s travel schedule, and was hosted by the state GOP. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) attended both the fundraiser for Hyde-Smith and the Mississippi GOP event. The campaign stops are part of a busy schedule for Thune, who will be criss-crossing the country every week between now and Election Day. Thune will next travel to Georgia for political events supporting Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) on Thursday evening, shortly after the Senate adjourns for one of its final weeks before the midterm elections.Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), first from left, headlines a fundraiser for Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), second from left, the GOP nominee for Senate in Kentucky. (Provided to the Washington Examiner) The Georgia trip includes an Atlanta fundraiser with Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) that Collins has framed as evidence that Republicans are still investing in his Senate race despite polls showing Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) consistently ahead.ANDY BESHEAR GOES ALL IN TO FLIP TRUMP-WON HOUSE DISTRICT IN KENTUCKYKentucky and Mississippi are not considered competitive states this fall, but Thune’s presence there suggests he is still in-demand as a surrogate in deep-red territory. It’s also meant as a signal of his support for the entire GOP conference as he prepares to run for a second term as Senate leader.Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) headlines a fundraiser for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), second from right, in Mississippi. (Provided to the Washington Examiner) Thune’s midterm travel is on top of the fundraising events he’s held while Congress is in session in Washington. Thune will spend much of the week shepherding a college sports bill that enjoys wide bipartisan support across the Senate floor. Staying the following week will largely depend on whether Republicans reach a deal with Democrats on permitting reform.