McConnell unanimously re-elected minority leader

As expected, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) secured another term as Senate Minority Leader, winning a unanimous vote among Senate Republicans according to a release from his office.

"I am honored that my colleagues re-elected me to serve as the Republican Leader in the 111th Congress," McConnell said in a statement.  "As Republican Leader, I will continue to use my clout to advance Kentucky's interests and to ensure that our voice is heard." 

That clout was a central plank of the four-term incumbents' campaign message this year, as he secured a fifth-term in a hard-fought campaign against businessman Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville). In ads and on the campaign trail, McConnell frequently touted the benefits of his leadership position and the federal funding that came to the Commonwealth as a result.

McConnell was first elected Minority Leader in 2006. 

Also forming the Republican leadership team in the senate are Jon Kyl, of Arizona, who will serve as whip and Lamar Alexander, of Tennessee, who will be conference chair. 

John Ensign, of Nevada, moves from the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee to Policy Committee Chair. The NRSC post is now filled by John Cornyn, of Texas.

"We are eager to work with our Democrat colleagues to forge bipartisan agreements and implement real legislative accomplishments," said McConnell.