Politics

The Senate Republican leader says he's optimistic about Afghanistan and favors a residual U.S. force of about 10, 000 after combat troops leave in 2014.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky spoke with reporters on Monday after completing his seventh trip to the country.  He traveled with Republican Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Deb Fischer of Nebraska.

One of Kentucky's most recognizable political figures is letting other would-be candidates know they may have to get past him if they want to be the state's next governor.

Democratic Attorney General jack Conway told the Associated Press that he's taking "a very, very serious look" at running in the 2015 gubernatorial election, a move that could ward off some potential challengers for his party's nomination to replace incumbent Democrat Steve Beshear.

Three statewide campaigns in the past five years have enhanced Conway's name recognition. Altogether, Conway spent about $10 million in those races, largely on TV advertising that built up his name among voters. Conway had about twice that much spent against him.

Indiana’s new governor will be sworn in Monday at the statehouse in Indianapolis.

Republican Mike Pence will become Indiana’s 50th governor during an 11 a.m. ceremony, taking the oath of office along with Lt. Gov.-elect Sue Ellspermann and Attorney General Greg Zoeller.

Pence spokeswoman Christy Denault says the new governor will deliver his inaugural address and then get right to work.

"At 11:53 we expect to conclude, turn around and walk through those doors, and then Gov. Pence will walk straight to his office and we have some order of business to begin immediately, says Denault. "He’ll be signing executive orders that day, first day executive orders."

Pence will deliver his State of the State address to the Indiana General Assembly on January 22.

Outgoing governor Mitch Daniels will report for duty Tuesday as the new president of Purdue University.