Sen. Mitch McConnell’s influence remains strong despite stepping down from top senate role

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving senator from Kentucky, will not be at the helm of the Senate as he finishes his term, but political analysts say his influence is far from diminished.

“McConnell won’t be at the very top of the power structure in the Senate, but he’s still on track to have an influential role,” said Stephen Voss, an associate political science professor at the University of Kentucky.

In his last reelection campaign, McConnell secured nearly $1 billion in federal funding for Kentucky, primarily directed toward building projects and tax incentives. Now, as he enters his final two years in the Senate, he will serve as Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.

According to Voss, this new position retains significant clout.

“The Rules Committee is the most powerful committee in the House, and some would say the most powerful committee in all of Congress,” Voss explained. “The Senate Rules Committee does not have the same level of influence that the House version does, but it still plays a crucial role.”

McConnell’s health has been a topic of public concern in recent years. He experienced two highly publicized health incidents in 2023, freezing mid-sentence during press appearances in July and September. However, despite these episodes, McConnell’s political weight remains intact — a reflection of his decades of experience and strategic leadership.

“Really, a lot of influence in Congress is driven by position, by where you’re located in the power structure and the division of labor,” Voss said. “Insofar as Mitch McConnell’s office is still important for getting something approved, then Mitch McConnell will have power.”

McConnell served as Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference from 2007 until earlier this year. His tenure in that role helped solidify his reputation as a master of Senate rules and legislative maneuvering.

Jim Merritt, a GOP strategist, described McConnell’s unparalleled expertise.

“He was pretty much the dean of the Senate, if you will,” Merritt said. “Going forward, I think Senator Thune, who was really his deputy, will handle things in a much more collegial way with the Trump administration than McConnell did. But no one’s ever going to be able to replace McConnell’s understanding of the rules and getting legislation through.”

McConnell’s influence with the Trump administration was not always smooth. Early in Trump’s first presidency, McConnell delayed spending legislation favored by the White House, exerting what Merritt referred to as the “power of the purse.”

“I’m certain that the power of the purse was utilized by McConnell more times than we know,” Merritt said.

McConnell first won election to the Senate in 1985, a time when both Washington and the political landscape looked vastly different. He has stated that he will not seek reelection when his current term ends, closing a remarkable chapter of leadership and legislative prowess.

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