Losing Crusade May Still Pay Dividends for a Senator (McConnell)

[kskiska]

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 — Senator Mitch McConnell was such a determined opponent of the new campaign finance law that when the fight moved from Congress to the courts, he made certain the decisive case was titled McConnell vs. F.E.C.

Now, with the Supreme Court validating the campaign spending restrictions enforced by the Federal Election Commission in a ruling earlier this month, Mr. McConnell will remain strongly identified with the cause, but on the losing side.

(snip)

That work, as well as other tasks he has undertaken as the majority whip, could pay dividends because Mr. McConnell is viewed as a probable candidate to try to succeed Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee as Republican leader. Dr. Frist has indicated he does not intend to seek re-election in 2006, setting the stage for a contest to succeed him.

"When you look down the road, he seems to be the guy," one senior Republican Senate official said, though he said others were certain to seek the post. "He is very good at working behind the scenes to help members."

(snip)

Last year, he was elected by his Republican colleagues to be the No. 2 to Trent Lott of Mississippi, the Republican Leader. When Mr. Lott ran into a political buzz saw over comments about Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, it eventually fell to Mr. McConnell to deliver the news to Mr. Lott that it was time to step aside.

more…
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/27/politics/27MCCO.html

[teryang]

1. McConnell is bought and paid for

Services to members? They mean services to big corporate campaign contributors. He's a self serving POS.