John Thune’s victory on a secret-ballot continued the long tradition, in both parties, of elevating small-state senators to the top jobs, banding together for self interest.

Because it's a secret vote, we don't know exactly who voted for Thune to be the Senate Majority Leader, but we know a few of his public supporters.

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell announced he would step down from his leadership post earlier this year, ending his historic run.