Senate Republicans Elect McConnell Majority Leader

U.S. Senate Republicans on Thursday unanimously chose current Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as their majority leader for the next congressional session, according to a senior Republican aide.

The session begins in January, when Republicans gain political control of the Senate following Democratic losses during the November midterm elections.

A Senate GOP official says McConnell was elected by acclamation today at a closed-door meeting of the rank and file.

As majority leader, McConnell will set the Senate's agenda. Along with House Speaker John Boehner, he will decide what legislation is sent to the White House in the final two years of President Barack Obama's term.

The 72-year-old McConnell was elected to a sixth Senate term last week in elections in which Republicans gained a majority for the first time in eight years.