Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell moved behind the scenes to reassure his allies and donors he can do his job after he froze for the second time in as many months in public – even as questions persist over how long the 81-year-old Kentuckian will stay as Republican leader.

McConnell, who has served for 16 years as the GOP leader, the longest of any Senate leader in history, has repeatedly made clear he’s staying in his job until the end of next year when the 118th Congress ends – something his confidantes say hasn’t changed even after his recent health scares.

But McConnell has consistently sidestepped questions about whether he would run for leader in the next Congress, which begins in 2025.

Following a recent concussion after falling and hitting his head in March, coupled with his two public frozen moments, Republican senators and aides told CNN they are doubtful he will try to run for the job again – potentially opening up the GOP leadership role for the first time since McConnell took the reins in 2007.

  • dhork@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    McConnell, who has served for 16 years as the GOP leader, the longest of any Senate leader in history, has repeatedly made clear he’s staying in his job until the end of next year when the 118th Congress ends

    Hold up there, he’s not up for reelection until 2026. Does this mean he intends to retire early? (or, at least, give up the Senate Leadership post?)

        • Sanctus@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          I mean its just loosh, it grows by the dozen in modern day. They probably want to impress the Greys with an extra big harvest before the flood reset.

    • knotthatone@lemmy.one
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      1 year ago

      Does this mean he intends to retire early?

      Absolutely not. Senators believe they are entitled to die in office no matter what happens to them physically or mentally and don’t care at all about anything that might impair their ability to represent the interests of their constituents. He might go as far as not seeking to be leader again, but he’s not giving up his seat until he’s dead.