RENEWABLES: German Firm Eyes 140MW Onshore Wind in Bavaria

Republican Senators will meet shortly to elect their first new leader in 18 years, replacing the outgoing Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) – a longtime stalwart of traditional conservativism in the Senate. Senators will hear final pitches from candidates and nominating speeches from colleagues before voting gets underway in a secret ballot. If no candidate receives 27 votes in the first round, the lowest vote-getter will be removed for a second round of voting. 

• According to Polymarket, Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD), the most institutionally minded of the three candidates, is slight favourite with a 64% implied probability of winning. Thune will be formally nominated by RNCC Chair Steve Daines (R-MT) - an influential figure since his strategy resulted in a major electoral turnaround from the 2022 midterm elections. 
• Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is second favourite with a 25% implied probability of winning following a surge of support from Trump-aligned conservatives in the media and a recent endorsement from Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). Although Scott is likely Trump’s favoured candidate, Trump appears unwilling to publicly back Scott without assurances he can win the secret ballot. Scott will be nominated by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Haggerty (R-TN) – two heavyweights in Trump’s orbit, with the former earmarked for Secretary of State.
• Third candidate, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) is considered a long-shot, with a 11.5% implied probability of winning. 
• Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is running unopposed for Senate Majority Whip. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK) is in pole position against Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) for Conference Chair, the No. 3 Senate Republican.