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McConnell Joins Speaker Lineup for GOP Convention

Senate majority leader has expressed doubts about Trump

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he will have a speaking role at next week’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland, joining a lineup of GOP leaders who will address the gathering despite misgivings about the presumptive nominee, Donald Trump.  

McConnell, who will serve as a delegate for his home state of Kentucky, has been tepid in his support for Trump.  

The leading Republican in the House, Speaker Paul D. Ryan, said Monday that he plans to speak at the Cleveland convention . After endorsing Trump, the Wisconsin Republican has continued to criticize the business mogul’s comments .  

GOP planners have not yet released a full list of speakers, but Trump has said that his children will address the crowd and TV audience.  

Other expected speakers include: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.  

For the keynote address, speculation centers on Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan , perhaps in concert with other lawmakers.  


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