January 23, 2009 12:15PM 

# Mitch McConnell: Do as I Say, Not as I Do 

By [Michael D. Tanner](https://www.cato.org/people/michael-d-tanner) 

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Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R‑KY) gave a [speech](http://www.rollcall.com/news/31677-1.html) today at the National Press Club outlining his vision for the future of the Republican Party. McConnell called for Republicans to “reassert mainstream conservative philosophies.”

Given that his 2008 reelection campaign focused heavily on his ability to secure [pork-barrel spending](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/us/politics/23mcconnell.html) for Kentucky, those philosophies apparently do not include respect for the taxpayer or smaller government.

##### Related Tags 

[Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics) 

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