McConnell reelected Senate GOP leader: ‘Not going anywhere’

By LISA MASCARO, BRIAN SLODYSKO and MARY CLARE JALONICK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has been reelected as Republican leader, quashing a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott of Florida. Scott was the Senate GOP campaign chief, and he has been criticized over his party’s midterm election failures. Republican senators reelected McConnell on Wednesday by a vote of 37-10, with one other senator voting present. After the vote, McConnell said he’s “proud” to be reelected. He’s poised to become the longest-serving leader when the new Congress convenes in the new year. Scott’s challenge came amid fallout from the midterms, when Republicans failed to take the Senate majority.