Rick Scott Pitches Hard-Right Approach in Senate Leadership Bid

When in Washington, Sen. Rick Scott likes to dine with the Freedom Caucus, a group of House conservatives who revel in challenging Republican Party leadership. The combative Florida lawmaker now wants to bring some of that hard-edged attitude to the more genteel and historically less partisan Senate.

Scott announced his bid last month to replace Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), who is stepping down from that post at the end of this year. Scott promised a “sea change” if colleagues elect him over the other two more establishment contenders for the position, Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Cornyn ...