McConnell Looks Forward to Supporting Tillerson

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he “look(s) forward” to supporting Donald Trump’s nomination of Rex Tillerson for secretary of state.

The Kentucky Republican predicted in a statement Tuesday that Tillerson will “face each problem head on with American interests and security as his top priority.” McConnell added that he looks “forward to supporting his nomination.”

HIs positive words could carry considerable sway with Senate Republicans, a few of which have said they have serious concerns about Tillerson’s ties with Russia. McConnell on Monday told reporters that “the Russians are not our friends.” But he made no mention of the ExxonMobil chief’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump says he regards Tillerson’s Russia ties an asset for a secretary of state.