Asked if Scott's op-ed was helpful, Thune said: "Well," and walked into McConnell's office.

McConnell, as he left the Senate floor, walked in silence when asked by reporters about Scott.

Scott claimed on Tuesday that the piece was not directed at McConnell.

"I didn't say anything about somebody else," said Scott, as he was leaving McConnell's office after a leadership meeting. "It said people who are doing anonymous quotes and trashing our candidates, yeah, it's treasonous to the conservative cause."

Privately, though the assessment is different.

"McConnell's comments hurt Republican candidates," a source close to Scott said. "Anyone who disagrees with that is either an idiot or on McConnell's payroll."

A senior GOP strategist fired back.

"If you don't know the difference between how House and Senate campaigns are financed, you probably shouldn't advertise that in September of an election year if you're in charge of Senate elections," the strategist said.

Scott, who may run for President in 2024, is expected to appear with a House candidate in Iowa this month**,** as well as Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley.

Asked if Scott's op-ed was helpful, Thune said: "Well," and walked into McConnell's office.

McConnell, as he left the Senate floor, walked in silence when asked by reporters about Scott.

Scott claimed on Tuesday that the piece was not directed at McConnell.

"I didn't say anything about somebody else," said Scott, as he was leaving McConnell's office after a leadership meeting. "It said people who are doing anonymous quotes and trashing our candidates, yeah, it's treasonous to the conservative cause."

Privately, though the assessment is different.

"McConnell's comments hurt Republican candidates," a source close to Scott said. "Anyone who disagrees with that is either an idiot or on McConnell's payroll."

A senior GOP strategist fired back.

"If you don't know the difference between how House and Senate campaigns are financed, you probably shouldn't advertise that in September of an election year if you're in charge of Senate elections," the strategist said.

Scott, who may run for President in 2024, is expected to appear with a House candidate in Iowa this month**,** as well as Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley.