GOP quietly discusses what comes after McConnell
WASHINGTON — It has been decades since there was any real uncertainty at the top of the Republican Party in the Senate. But Senator Mitch McConnell’s freeze-up at a news conference Wednesday at the Capitol, as well as new disclosures about recent falls, have shaken his colleagues and intensified quiet discussion about how long he can stay in his position as minority leader, and whether change is coming at the top.
For months, McConnell, 81, the long-serving Republican leader from Kentucky, has been weakened, both physically and politically. The latest incident made those issues glaringly apparent: McConnell froze mid-remarks, unable to continue speaking, and appeared disoriented with his mouth shut as his aides and colleagues led him gently away.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Republican, quickly stepped in behind the lectern and picked up where McConnell had left off, in a scene that underscored how the 62-year-old has positioned himself as the leader’s most obvious successor. It was a reminder that no one — even McConnell, who this year became the longest-serving Senate leader in history — is irreplaceable and raised questions about how long McConnell could continue to simply gut it out.
Months ago, there seemed to be a developing race to succeed him among Thune, Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, the No. 3 Republican, and Senator John Cornyn of Texas, the former whip. But during McConnell’s extended absence earlier this year following a serious fall, Thune moved into the position of taking charge of the conference.
McConnell had a concussion in March when he fell at a Washington hotel during a fund-raising event, and was absent from the Senate for weeks while giving almost no updates on his health status.
Since then, he has had at least two more falls, one at a Washington airport and one in Helsinki, during an official trip to meet the Finnish president. His office disclosed neither, and has stayed mum about his medical condition since Wednesday’s episode, which some physicians who viewed video of it said could have been a mini stroke or partial seizure.
Last year, McConnell weathered a rare challenge to his leadership when Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, decided to oppose him and received 10 votes. In the past, McConnell had been named leader with no contest.