The majority leader in the U.S. Senate visited his home state Monday. Senator Mitch McConnell discussed various issues but would not touch on the current field of presidential candidates.
McConnell covered a lot of ground during a speech before the Scott County-Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. He addressed issues including the Iran nuclear deal, future Cuba relations, China’s economy, and the ‘No Child Left Behind’ education policy. However, he would not weigh in on Donald Trump and his leading poll position among the republican presidential candidates. “Don’t waste your time," he said. "I’m not gonna get into the presidential race.”
McConnell did reaffirm his support for fellow Kentucky senator Rand Paul’s candidacy for president. A GOP meeting is scheduled this Saturday to discuss Paul’s proposal for March 5 presidential caucuses in Kentucky. “We’ve never done it before, which is why I was skeptical about it," said McConnell. "But, we wanted to do him a favor and allow him to compete for the presidency and so, as long as he picks up the cost, that’s what we’re gonna do.”
McConnell remains hopeful something can be done to stop the Iran nuclear arms agreement with the United States. He admits the edge is with the president when it comes to the Iran deal. “What I’m pretty confident of is sustaining the veto will be an entirely democratic exercise," he said. "Senator Shumer coming out against the deal was helpful. I hope that we can defeat it, but the process, the procedure is obviously stacked in the president’s favor.” .
McConnell repeatedly told those gathered for the chamber luncheon that the era of dysfunction in the U.S. Senate is over. The majority leader did say he anticipates a "messy" end of the year when it comes to spending decisions.?
