Senate Republicans, in picking John Thune (S.D.) as their next leader, choose a lawmaker with deep ties to the lobbying sector, even as their party embraces populism under Donald Trump.
Lobbyists see Thune as almost one of their own, given the leader-elect’s past stint on K Street and his years in the Senate and the House. Like his predecessor Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Thune has a large network of former aides and allies who represent corporate America and advocacy clients.
He draws on those connections to raise political money and to build support for legislative priorities. He raised about $33 million ...