GOP senator walks a narrow line on Iraq (McConnell?)

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070716/ap_on_go_co/iraq_mcconnell;_ylt=AgBkuoIlYExvlEuKJ5vRsFzMWM0F

GOP senator walks a narrow line on Iraq

By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 13 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell was conspicuous by his absence when key Republicans met with White House officials last week on how to limit party defections on Iraq.

And weeks earlier he had raised eyebrows among some of his colleagues by disappearing into the woodwork in the immigration debate, then voting against President Bush's plan.

Lately, the laconic Kentuckian who is supposed to be Bush's point man on Capitol Hill has been anything but.

McConnell — a stern-faced strategist in a chamber full of bombastic orators — has never been the type to seek the spotlight, and his allies say his recent approach is in keeping with his low-key style.

Stung by the criticism that he was being an absentee leader, McConnell struck back late last week, moving daily strategy meetings on Iraq into his Capitol office suite, rushing to join news conferences and schedule TV appearances, and making a rare impromptu stop in the Capitol to chat with reporters on the war.

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