WASHINGTON _ Mitch McConnell is heading to re-election next year without a primary threat looming on his right _ a marked contrast from his last election, when he faced an aggressive, if ultimately unsuccessful challenge.
The lack of a potential rival speaks to McConnell's success at working with President Donald Trump as well as the result of the 2014 primary challenge. McConnell defeated challenger Matt Bevin five years ago by more than 20 percentage points.
"McConnell made it so nasty when Matt ran against him and he spent so much money, I think it intimidated people who might want to run," said Scott Hofstra, a spokesman for the United Kentucky Tea Party, which in 2013 had championed efforts to pick a challenger.
