A superb strategist, McConnell helped engineer U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning's 6,766-vote victory over Scotty Baesler in 1998. He also helped Anne Northup and Ed Whitfield beat incumbent Democrats in mid-1990s House races. The National Republican Senatorial Committee helps recruit strong candidates nationwide. Then it helps plot strategy, poll voters, raise money and search for Democratic opponents' weak spots. McConnell decides where to spend the committee's war chest.
Kentucky observers are also impressed.
Early this year, he helped block sweeping new campaign finance legislation and worked to derail the presidential campaign of U.S. Sen. John McCain, a supporter of spending restrictions. Nader said in an interview. The criticism doesn't faze McConnell. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world,'' he said last week. Republicans should raise whatever it takes to win on Election Day, McConnell argues, even if it offends the good-government types.