WASHINGTON — Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky won election by fellow Republicans on Thursday to become Senate majority leader when the new Congress convenes in January, fulfilling a long-held ambition.
A Senate Republican official said McConnell, 72 was chosen by acclamation at a closed meeting of the rank and file.
As majority leader, McConnell will set the Senate’s agenda. Along with House Speaker John Boehner, he will decide what legislation is sent to the White House in the final two years of President Barack Obama’s term.
McConnell was elected to a sixth Senate term last week in elections in which Republicans gained a majority for the first time in eight years.
He will formally assume his duties as majority leader in January.
Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.