I first had the pleasure of meeting U.S.SenatorMitch McConnell of Kentucky in 1987 at Scottsdale, Az., roughly six months into his first term.McConnell was energetic, vibrant, quick-witted, and very thoughtful in his public policyposition statements.McConnell is now retiring as U.S. Senate Minority Leader after leading the GOP Senate Caucus since 2007.While still a brilliant political st...