# Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to step down as Leader \[2/28/2024\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [February 28, 2024, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242 "2024-02-28T17:32:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2024, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/161 "2024-05-23T02:08:00Z")
Senator Rick Scott has thrown his hat in the ring to replace McConnell as Majority Leader. He’s generally seen as more Trump-aligned than the other two declared candidates (John Cornyn and John Thune). He also got crushed when he tried to challenge Mitch for Majority Leader two years ago. [https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/05/22/congress/a-new-senate-gop-leader-bid-00159540](https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/05/22/congress/a-new-senate-gop-leader-bid-00159540) ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2024, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/162 "2024-05-23T02:38:28Z")
Hmm. He’s also up for reelection in Florida this year. Is this more about bolstering his prospects there than any realistic hope of getting the SML gig? ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2024, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/163 "2024-05-23T08:08:22Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > Majority Did I miss something important? ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2024, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/164 "2024-05-23T12:58:33Z")
Whoops, maybe I was subconsciously projecting forward to next year. ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2024, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/165 "2024-05-24T20:56:18Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > Likely anticipating Beshear’s challenge, the Kentucky Legislature has changed the way Senate vacancies are filled once again. Under newly passed legislation, a vacant Kentucky Senate seat will be held open until a special election is held for the remainder of the term. While the previous requirement to appoint from a party list was (IMO) Constitutionally suspect, filling a vacancy by special election is clearly Constitutionally permissible. Doesn’t the governor have to sign that bill or did they override his veto? ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/166 "2024-05-24T21:04:43Z")
Beshear has almost all of his vetoes overridden (and he did veto the Senate vacancy legislation). Kentucky only requires a majority vote in both chambers of the state legislature to override a veto, and Republicans have a supermajority in both chambers. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/167 "2024-05-27T22:08:42Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Hmm. He’s also up for reelection in Florida this year. Is this more about bolstering his prospects there than any realistic hope of getting the SML gig? Anyone? ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2024, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/168 "2024-05-28T00:43:58Z")
Running for Majority/Minority Leader is unlikely to be helpful to his Senate race. You get to be Leader by showing your colleagues that you’ll put their interests ahead of your own – hosting fundraisers for them, echoing their messaging, taking a backseat to let them grab the limelight. It will at best be a distraction from his own campaign, but he’s already heavily favored to win reelection. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2024, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/169 "2024-05-28T04:43:46Z")
Scott got 10 votes when he tried to overthrow McConnell and he has baggage: [he oversaw a company that was fined a then record $1.7 billion for Medicare fraud](https://www.floridadems.org/2024/05/09/icymi-rick-scott-compares-his-medicare-fraud-to-trumps-corruption-case/). Also, I would guess that rank and file were fairly content with Team McConnell and I doubt whether Scott’s promises of reform will attract many takers. But in case they do, here’s a list: - Evergreen: never force vote on something they haven’t had a chance to review, - Develop positive agenda - (advocating motherhood?) - Never pressure colleagues to vote against what they campaigned on or what is not in their constituent interest. More salient. - 6 year term limit for House speaker. Yawn. - Appropriations should follow a realistic schedule to prevent reliance on continuing resolutions. Sounds a little vague. There are 3 other promises, but I couldn’t find the original letter. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2024, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/170 "2024-05-28T11:32:17Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > There are 3 other promises, but I couldn’t find the original letter. Was it [this?](https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000018f-a232-dde7-ad8f-b73e934b0000) ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2024, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/171 "2024-05-28T17:33:18Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > 6 year term limit for House speaker. The _House_ leader? ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2024, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/172 "2024-05-28T19:18:19Z")
D’oh! Yes, that looks like the letter. Here are the 8 promises: > [@](#): > > If you elect me, you can count on the following: > > 1. I will always remember you elected me, and I will work with each of you to > accomplish your goals. > 2. I will work tirelessly to help elect all Republican senators, whether they are likely > to support me or not. > 3. I will never surprise you with legislation and ask that you vote on something > you haven’t had an opportunity to review. > 4. I will always work to be transparent with each of you and to bring the > Conference together. > 5. I will work with each of you to advance Republican priorities and, when > possible, force Democrats to vote on our bills. > 6. I will lead the Conference in developing a positive, aspirational agenda that > outlines our legislative goals and what Senate Republicans stand for. > 7. I will engage with Republicans in the House to pass Republican priorities. > 8. I will never pressure you to vote in a way that is counter to what you > campaigned on or not in the best interests of your state. Ok, that letter is the public face of an insider game. The promises will matter less than whether the Senate caucus is comfortable with Thune and Cornyn. My guess is that they are. As for the 2022 vote when Scott tried to topple McConnell: > The vote was held by [secret ballot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_ballot); senators who publicly confirmed voting for Scott included [Mike Braun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Braun), [Josh Hawley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Hawley), [Ted Cruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Cruz), [Ron Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Johnson), and [Lindsey Graham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsey_Graham). I think the question is whether Scott will be able to rise to a leadership position or whether he’s interesting in being a whip I suppose. Also, I think term limits are a great idea for the Republican leadership, because high turnover enables incompetence in pursuing their agenda. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Bredin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2024, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/173 "2024-05-28T23:54:59Z")
> [@](#): > > If you elect me, you can count on the following: > > 1. I will always remember you elected me, and I will work with each of you to > accomplish your goals. > 2. I will work tirelessly to help elect all Republican senators, whether they are likely > to support me or not. > 3. I will never surprise you with legislation and ask that you vote on something > you haven’t had an opportunity to review. > 4. I will always work to be transparent with each of you and to bring the > Conference together. > 5. I will work with each of you to advance Republican priorities and, when > possible, force Democrats to vote on our bills. > 6. I will lead the Conference in developing a positive, aspirational agenda that > outlines our legislative goals and what Senate Republicans stand for. > 7. I will engage with Republicans in the House to pass Republican priorities. > 8. I will never pressure you to vote in a way that is counter to what you > campaigned on or not in the best interests of your state. 2 and especially 8 amount to “I’ll never call on you to compromise ever for any reason,” and no sane politician of either party could actually believe it. As to 6, as this isn’t the Pit, I’ll say: “positive, aspirational agenda”? “what Senate Republicans stand for”? 🤪 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/174 "2024-06-06T15:44:47Z")
Who the hell is Mitch McConnell warning us against? Surely he wrote this with Trump in mind? > **[Opinion | Mitch McConnell: We Cannot Repeat the Mistakes of the 1930s](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/06/opinion/mcconnell-military-spending-d-day.html?unlocked_article_code=1.xk0.xE0v.ItfQWp5BpnNB&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb)** > > On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we are forgetting the lessons of World War II. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2024, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/175 "2024-06-06T16:15:07Z")
I don’t think that its primary goal is to allude Trump’s fascist tendencies. I think that its arguing in favor of support for Ukraine and NATO. ETA: Procrustus’ reply was posted while I was rewording my post ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2024, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/176 "2024-06-06T16:18:25Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > I think its more pro-Ukraine and pro-NATO than specifically anti-Trump . Hard to be the first without being the second. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2024, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/177 "2024-06-06T17:03:42Z")
There’s a lot of Trump to be against, not just his stance on Ukraine. If you’re a racist who’s also anti-communist, you can be pro Ukraine and pro-Trump ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2025, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/178 "2025-02-20T17:21:19Z")
Bumping to add that McConnell announced on 2/20 that he will not run for re-election in 2026 ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2025, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/179 "2025-02-20T17:22:00Z")
Ayup: > **[Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as...](https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-retirement-34c79ef12bf62d14cb71d3c393f23a83)** > > Sen. Mitch McConnell has announced he won’t seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce populism of President Donald Trump. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2025, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/180 "2025-02-20T17:56:18Z")
Cornyn. For decades that blindingly white spook positioned himself directly behind whatever Rupube was addressing the press. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242.md?page=10)