Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has become the "most despised" Republican senator, according to Puck News. He has surpassed previous antagonists like Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rand Paul (R-KY).
"John Thune needs to shove Mike Lee in a locker," one Trump ally in the Senate said. The comment captures the depth of animosity toward the Utah Republican.
Lee has relentlessly pushed for the SAVE America Act. This is Trump's voter ID bill. He wants to eliminate the filibuster to pass it. He's willing to implement a weeks- or months-long talking filibuster.
Senate Majority Leader Thune has repeatedly stated he lacks the votes. "He doesn't have the votes for that," sources confirmed. Yet Lee continues to fundraise off the issue. He attacks his colleagues through constant online trolling.
Lee has convinced his base that passing the bill is possible. Senate Republicans are enraged by this. Virtually no senator believes either the filibuster can be changed or the bill can pass.
The disconnect between Lee's public posturing and private inaction is stark. Colleagues are convinced his crusade is purely cynical. "It's a money-driven publicity stunt," sources say. He is trying to raise his profile.
Lee has called for the Senate to remain in session during recess. He wants to pass the SAVE America Act. He wants to pass Department of Homeland Security funding. Yet Lee himself has left town.
One Trump ally speculated Lee wants a Supreme Court nomination. A GOP aide joked about the confirmation prospects. "That would be a unanimous confirmation," the aide said. "People want him out of the Senate."
