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Last Updated on: 18th June 2024, 09:30 am
Addison Mitchell McConnell III has been the Senate Minority Leader since 2021 and the senior United States senator from Kentucky since 1985. McConnell previously served as the minority leader from 2007 to 2015, the majority leader from 2015 to 2021, and the majority whip from 2003 to 2007. Additionally, he has been the leader of the Senate Republican Conference since 2007, holding the record for the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history.
Here are some more facts about Mitch McConnell that may surprise you:
1. He Suffered From Polio
Mitch McConnell has a unique and inspiring life story that begins with a harrowing battle against polio during his early childhood. In 1944, as a mere toddler, McConnell’s world was altered drastically when he was struck by flu-like symptoms, which turned out to be polio, eventually leaving his left leg paralyzed, according to the A.P.
His mother, faced with the challenges of caring for a young child with polio, became a pillar of strength and support. With determination and dedication, she sought the best possible care for her son, shuttling him to and from the polio treatment center, where he would undergo therapies similar to those administered to then-President Franklin Roosevelt. Her relentless pursuit of his recovery eventually paid off, leading to the young McConnell’s ability to walk without a leg brace, a triumph that instilled in him the values of tenacity, hard work, and perseverance.
Mitch McConnell in the 1960 edition of the Crimson, a yearbook produced by duPont Manual High School. Public Domain
2. He Is Married To Elaine Chao
Mitch McConnell is married to Elaine Chao who served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2001 to 2009 and as United States Secretary of Transportation in the administration of Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021.
Chao emigrated from Taiwan at a young age and grew up in New York.
Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao’s love story began to unfold during the early 1990s in Washington D.C. At the time, Chao, a woman of notable accomplishments, had already been appointed as the director of the Peace Corps and had taken on the responsibility of cleaning up the United Way of America amidst financial allegations. It was during this significant period that “in pops Mitch McConnell in my life,” as Chao described it.
McConnell, who had arrived in Washington in the 1960s and had worked as an intern and later as an aide in the Senate, formed a friendship with Stuart Bloch, a public interest lobbyist. Bloch, married to Julia Chang Bloch, who was a Chinese immigrant and a future ambassador, decided to set up McConnell. He orchestrated a candlelight dinner where McConnell and Chao met.
While sparks may not have flown in a conventional sense, both McConnell and Chao recognized something in each other. Despite other suitors, including C. Boyden Gray, the White House counsel to President George H.W. Bush, Chao ultimately chose McConnell as her partner.
They married in the Senate chapel wedding on February 6, 1993, a date chosen for three reasons:
- It was Ronald Reagan’s birthday.
- She wanted to be married before her 40th birthday (she beat the deadline by seven weeks)
- It was right before a one-week Senate recess, according to The Washington Post.
Their relationship dynamics showcase balance: McConnell does occasional cooking and laundry, while Chao handles home repairs. Chao, with her roles at Heritage and various corporate boards, contributes more to their income. They share a life without children or dogs, focusing on their love for each other and their respective careers. Chao finds her husband “very sexy.” Their unique and enduring partnership underscores their commitment to both each other and their public roles.
Mitch McConnell in 1992 Public Domain
Elaine Chao in her high school yearbook (1971) Public Domain
Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao Public Domain
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3. His Home Was Vandalized During The COVID-19 Pandemic
During the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitch McConnell’s home in Louisville was brutally vandalized. It was a startling reminder of the tensions and anxieties that were gripping the nation during those tumultuous times.
In the early hours of a Saturday morning, McConnell’s Louisville residence became a target for mindless vandalism.
The perpetrator(s) sprayed graffiti on the front door, with the message. “Where’s my money?” a reference to the $2000 stimulus check that some in the Senate were demanding, according to CNN.
McConnell consistently expressed reservations about increasing the stimulus checks, asserting that the proposed amount was not the most effective approach. He reiterated his belief that a significant portion of the proposed increase amounted to what he termed as “socialism for rich people.”
McConnell said in a statement, “Vandalism and the politics of fear have no place in our society. My wife and I have never been intimidated by this toxic playbook. We just hope our neighbors in Louisville aren’t too inconvenienced by this radical tantrum.”
Law enforcement swiftly launched an investigation, but the identity of the vandal remains a mystery.
4. He Voted Against Impeaching President Trump
After the tumultuous events of January 6, which saw the U.S. Capitol breached by rioters, the Senate grappled with the crucial decision of voting on the impeachment of former President Donald Trump. In the midst of this historic event, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell played a pivotal role.
Despite his prior issues with Trump’s actions leading up to and during the Capitol riot, McConnell ultimately made the significant decision to vote against the impeachment proceedings targeting the former president.
McConnell’s vote against impeachment carried substantial weight and influence, impacting the trajectory and outcome of the trial.
5. He Has Had Episodes of “Freezing-Up” Recently
McConnell has faced a bout of health concerns, sparking speculation about his ability to lead. The 81-year-old leader experienced freeze-ups during public appearances, raising questions about his well-being. Concerns were further fueled by a concussion earlier in the year, impacting his speech and stride.
To address these concerns, the Capitol physician, Brian P. Monahan, released a statement ruling out a stroke or seizure disorder. While providing assurance regarding his health, the statement left unanswered questions about the cause of these episodes. The physician confirmed that several evaluations, including a brain MRI scan and consultations with neurologists, had been conducted.
Despite concerns, many Republican allies stood in support of McConnell, dismissing the idea of a direct challenge to his leadership. However, the health episodes have triggered discussions about potential successors. The longer-term impact on his political journey and potential re-election in 2026 remains an open question.
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