McConnell Re-Elected as Senate GOP Leader Over Sen. Rick Scott

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was re-elected as Republican leader Wednesday, defeating a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott of Florida that reflects growing anxiety within the party after it underperformed in the midterm elections.

McConnell spokesman David Popp confirmed the secret-ballot victory. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., told reporters that 37 Republicans voted for McConnell, while 10 supported Scott and one voted “present.” The vote came after the conference rejected a motion by McConnell’s dissenters to delay the leadership election, which 16 Republicans voted for, two sources said.

The McConnell-Scott battle represents a larger clash over the direction and governing vision of the party, with the two men offering conflicting theories about why the GOP failed to win Senate seats in the midterms as Democrats clinched the majority. It is the most serious challenge McConnell has faced for his position after having led the Republican caucus for 15 years.

Read the source article at nbcnews.com