Sen. Mitch McConnell Has More Than Most Riding On Midterm Elections

If Republicans take over the Senate, the man expected to become the next majority leader is Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The title would be the culmination of a political career spanning more than three decades.

But first, McConnell has to win a sixth Senate term in a state where his popularity's been sagging.

It would be a stretch to call McConnell an endearing politician. When his face relaxes, his thin lips often droop into a frown. Comedians have joked that he physically resembles a turtle — while others have noted...