It is another anti-establishment conservative like Cruz (who is part of the establishment) that the establishment is trying to stop. They are afraid that like establishment friendly Cruz, he will get to the Senate and actively work against the establishment.
It all makes perfect sense.
Yes. Mcconnell is trying to save his seat to whether minority or majority, he doesn’t care. He’s 74 years old. Time for new blood. He’s not ready to go yet unfortunately.