Senate Republicans re-elected Mitch McConnell of Kentucky on Wednesday to be majority leader next year, keeping the respected legislative tactician at the forefront when the new Congress begins working on Donald Trump's agenda.
McConnell is widely popular among his GOP colleagues and his selection was never in doubt.
The 74-year-old has a genteel manner but has proven to be a coolly effective leader. He enraged Democrats by refusing to let the Senate consider President Barack Obama's nomination of federal judge Merrick Garland to fill a Supreme Court vacancy last February. That paid dividends, when Trump was elected president.
McConnell was Senate minority leader for eight years before becoming majority leader when the GOP took control in 2015.
He distanced himself from Trump during the campaign, but says he's ready to work with him.
