Former Rep. Matt Gaetz's (R-Fla.) decision to withdraw from consideration to become attorney general has shifted the attention of Senate Republicans to the nominations of Pete Hegseth, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who find now find themselves newly exposed to an even harsher spotlight.

The trio of nominees come with their own extensive baggage and have been subject to questions and concerns from various corners of the Senate GOP conference, but had been shielded to a degree by the presence of Gaetz.

With the ex-Florida congressman out of the way, the focus once again shifts in their direction.

“Their reprieve is over,” Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said.

Senate Republicans have called for President-elect Trump’s Cabinet picks to be seated, but even some of his most ardent backers viewed Gaetz, a rabble-rouser in the House who has faced investigations from the Justice Department and House Ethics Committee, as uniquely problematic.

Still, whether Gaetz’s withdrawal helps or hurts Gabbard, Hegseth and Kennedy’s chances remains a major unknown.

Some Senate Republicans think the Gaetz nomination and eventual withdrawal will benefit the other three.

“Maybe Donald Trump got what he wanted out of it. It wouldn’t be the first time Donald Trump flew a trial balloon,” Cramer told reporters........

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