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Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell elected as Senate Minority Leader, Lott wins Senate Minority Whip slot

Posted by: Sister Toldjah on November 15, 2006 at 12:16 pm

Not much time to comment on this, but wanted to post a link to the story.

I don’t know much about McConnell (yet) but the reaction of the blogosphere to Lott’s return to a leadership position is decidedly negative. I’m not crazy about it myself, but I’m thankful at least that they put a fresh face (McConnell)in the main minority leadership post in the Senate. I don’t hold out much hope for the House, but hey, maybe they’ll surprise us all.

More: Don Surber reminds us that McConnell “not only opposed McCain-Feingold, but took it to court.” I like him already.

John McIntyre at Real Clear Politics on Lott:

Lott’s win for the #2 GOP slot in the Senate was unexpected, though not entirely surprising. I suspect it is a triumph for Republicans in the Senate who want to take a considerably more aggressive posture with the new Democratic majority. Lott is in a far better position than Lamar Alexander to effectively use the wide array of Senate rules the minority has at its disposal to frustrate the majority, especially a one-vote majority.

The very brief post-election comity is ending – as well it should from the Republicans’ standpoint. Democrats had great success by repeatedly frustrating Republican efforts to govern and relentlessly attacking President Bush, and now that they are in the majority the “can’t we all just get along” schtick rings rather hollow to most Capitol Hill Republicans.

Lott’s win can be read as a sign that Senate Republicans are gearing up to be an aggressive and effective minority, and his ascension back into the ranks of the leadership is probably a very smart tactical move by the GOP.

What say ye?

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    Comments

    1. Little Miss Chatterbox says:
      November 15, 2006 at 1:32 pm

      I’ve never been a big fan of Lott but someone pointed out he probably will be a good person behind the scenes as whip.

      As for McConnell I’ve always really liked him. Everytime I’ve seen or heard about him he is fighting the conservative cause. From what I remember about him he’s a great guy and I’m pleased with that decision.

    2. Baklava says:
      November 15, 2006 at 2:37 pm

      I agree LMC.

    3. J Rob says:
      November 15, 2006 at 3:53 pm

      I was living in KY when McConnell was first elected. At first the incumbant was prancing around the commonwealth acting like he did not have an opponent. McConnell’s tv campaign consisted of hounds on a leash trying to find Dee Huddleston (the then incumbant). Huddleston was unfazed at first, but it began to gain traction as people realized how many votes Huddleston had missed and that he was a junketteer.
      I wish he would run for Pres. Mitch’s selection almost makes up for Lott and Martinez…okay, it will take a little more to make up for those disasters-waiting-to-happen.

    4. benning says:
      November 15, 2006 at 4:13 pm

      And just when was Mr. Lott a tough guy when dealing with the Democrats? Sheesh!

    5. Kathy says:
      November 15, 2006 at 4:14 pm

      I think it’s good strategic move. My reasons are on my home page. McConnell is a fighter and a conservative, and Lott has an axe to grind. Comity or comedy? Depends on whether the republican governor of NV has to replace Reid after he’s charged and convicted like Ney. Is there anyone interested in justice for democrats at Justice – or were we all right in being against Gonzales. Whatever happened to the charges against William Jefferson?

    6. Kathy says:
      November 15, 2006 at 4:15 pm

      benning, Lott was much nicer before the dems stabbed him in the back. I suspect he’ll know exactly where to turn the screw.

    7. benning says:
      November 15, 2006 at 7:30 pm

      Kathy, I hope you’re right. McConnell is a decent move, but Martinez is no Conservative, and I still don’t trust Lott. So we’ll see.

    8. TomR says:
      November 15, 2006 at 9:40 pm

      Lott is not a tough guy! I would have preferred someone else. John Cornyn from Texas would be much abler to take to Democrats.

    9. Leslie says:
      November 16, 2006 at 7:16 am

      La Duchesa Pelosi urges Murtha upon the House Democrats, and intends to promote Alcee Hastings to the chair of the Intelligence Committee . . . and the Senate GOP brings back Trent Lott??!!

      Send in the clowns!

      :o)