Profile: Senator Mitch McConnell

by Gabe BullardTo mark the centennial of the state Capitol building in Frankfort, WFPL and Kentucky Public Radio are spotlighting some of Kentucky’s top statesmen, influential political leaders who served the commonwealth in Frankfort or Washington, or both.When George W. Bush left the White House in 2009, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky became the most powerful Republican officeholder in Washington. He's earned a reputation over the last 18 months as the opposition leader, working behind the scenes to keep his 41-member conference united against Democratic majorities. It's a controversial role given the electoral sweeps Democrats commanded in 2006 and 2008. But as McConnell's modern reputation is being forged, his legacy in his home state is well established.