Mitch Mcconnell

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Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, who would be in line to lead the Senate if his party wins control of the chamber in the November elections, is opposed to restoring the procedure of earmarking, a spokesman said. (Associated Press)

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., joined by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., left, and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., rear left, speaks to reporters after a Republican caucus meeting, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, May 6, 2014. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2013, file photo, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki listens as he testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says a leadership change may help resolve what he calls "dysfunction" at the Department of Veterans Affairs, following allegations of corruption and avoidable deaths at the veterans' hospital in Phoenix. McConnell says the tenure of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki is "embarrassing" and that the agency is in "a stunning period of dysfunction." McConnell isn't calling for Shinseki to step down, but says a change in leadership "might be a good thing."(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File)

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FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2013, file photo, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki listens as he testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says a leadership change may help resolve what he calls "dysfunction" at the Department of Veterans Affairs, following allegations of corruption and avoidable deaths at the veterans' hospital in Phoenix. McConnell says the tenure of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki is "embarrassing" and that the agency is in "a stunning period of dysfunction." McConnell isn't calling for Shinseki to step down, but says a change in leadership "might be a good thing."(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File)

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., center, and GOP lawmakers, from left, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, talk to reporters after a GOP caucus meeting, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo)

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky told The New York Times last month that GOP incumbents would "crush" their tea party rivals in the primary season. (Associated Press)