Sen. Mitch McConnell during a news conference at the US Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images

On the precipice of retirement , Mitch McConnell has become a pariah among the Republicans trying to succeed him.

The top three Republicans running in Kentucky’s Senate primary started in state politics interning for McConnell. Two of them once referred to him as a mentor. Now, they are racing to distance themselves, insulting not just McConnell, but their rivals for alleged closeness to him.

It’s a reflection of how President Donald Trump has all but extinguished the influence of any challengers within the GOP.

Having served 18 years as the Senate Republicans’ leader, McConnell is one of the most influential legislators in American history, known for holdin

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