Far too many Republican elected officials are actually moderate democrats. As the dems have moved farther and farther left, the moderate dems have become Republicans in order to be elected. Anyone who worships government as they do is NOT a Republican.
Thune was selected and mentored by Mitch McConnell to do exactly as he’s currently doing, and which is why he needs to be replaced as Majority leader and seriously challenged in his next re-election attempt.
SD people still insist that Thune is a loyal conservative.