Thune: McConnell's historic run as GOP leader leaves imprint on judiciary

As Sen. John Thune starts fourth term, he says the Kentucky senator, reviled by Democrats and some Republicans, has been a source of stability

The swearing-in of Sen. John Thune Tuesday marked a bit of history: The Murdo native became only the second South Dakotan to start a fourth U.S. Senate term.

Thune joins Karl Mundt as the only South Dakotans to get four Senate terms.

While that was historically significant for South Dakota, a more historic moment took place for the country. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell became the longest serving Senate leader. McConnell was first elected to lead the Republican Senate caucus in 2006, and during his run he has served as both majority leader and, as he does now, minority leader.

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