Senate GOP elects John Barrasso as Majority Whip

Senate Republicans chose Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., as Majority Whip, on Wednesday, putting the veteran lawmaker in charge of maintaining unity within the conference on key votes.

Barrasso was one of former Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's "three Johns", along with Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas; and John Thune, R-S.D. Though considered a possible replacement for McConnell, he opted for pursue the whip post and leave the leadership race to the other two.

He faced no challenge for the spot and won by acclamation, The Hill reported.

Generally regarded as the most conservative of the three Johns, Barrasso will serve as Thune's top lieutenant in the next Congress. Thune won the leadership contest on Tuesday, defeating Cornyn and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.