The Chinese owned old swamp monster likes being the minority party leader. Most people underestimate the power he actually has - not only in the Senate, but also in his home state and his ability to twist the arm of the Executive. Nothing gets done beyond his purview. As Senate minority leader, he doesn't actually have to be accountable to voters for getting things done. A position he is most comfortable with. He will pull out all the stops to make sure the Republicans do not gain the majority in the Senate.