Roll Call reports that NRSC chairman Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas) made some not-so-subtle references to Sen. Jim DeMint (R., S.C.) in a speech to the Republican Conference earlier this week criticizing the recruitment of “outsider” candidates to challenge Cornyn’s picks during the midterms:
Sen. John Cornyn said during a closed-door meeting Tuesday that he expects colleagues to bring their concerns to him about candidates he recruits as National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman — and not to help mount challenges against them, Republicans familiar with the meeting said Thursday.
Although not mentioned by name, the Republicans said the Texas lawmaker’s speech was clearly intended for the ears of Sen. Jim DeMint…
DeMint did not respond to Cornyn’s comments, the Republicans said. However, the two lawmakers have had several conversations since Election Day, GOP aides familiar with the situation said…
Rather than attack candidates who have been backed explicitly by the NRSC or by a state’s party, Cornyn said, unhappy Members should come to him with their concerns.
More here.