Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is downplaying reports that GOP leaders are gearing up for a deadlocked convention in 2016.
Taking questions at a Politico Playbook breakfast this week, the Kentucky Republican heavy-hitter expressed frustration with attendees of a typically off-the-record meeting of about 20 party insiders last Thursday who leaked details to the media.
"We were just talking about politics, you know... a bunch of politicians talking about politics. No conspiracy theories that I heard," he said.
According to reports, a handful of Republican power brokers recommended the party prepare for a convention fight should Donald Trump emerge victorious in the primaries – news that led presidential candidate Ben Carson to threaten a break with the party. McConnell denied the group has any agenda, adding the members have “no ability to control any particular outcome.”
Asked whether a chaotic primary season has rattled his confidence, the Republican leader appeared unfazed.
"I don't have any worries about it. Look, I've got a big job to do here and I follow the presidential race obviously, but handicapping every possible outcome is not something I spend much time doing."
Without naming names, McConnell said the party’s chances would be improved if it selects a presidential candidate who can appeal to swing states.
