McConnell Defies Exodus of Capitol’s Oldest Leaders

“House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer are stepping down after decades in top leadership posts, but an octogenarian across the Capitol is pledging to stay in charge,” the Washington Times reports.

“Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 80, who was reelected last week to a record-shattering ninth term as head of the Republican conference, will not be stepping aside.”

“The statement refutes speculation from anonymous Senate Republicans outside his inner circle that Mr. McConnell won’t serve for long in leadership but may remain in the Senate in another role, perhaps in a senior position on the powerful Appropriations Committee.”