The potential downside to that strategy is quickly elevating this woman and the whole authoritarian right wing of the party among the Republican base.

"Liberals really hate her, I wish she'd run for president!" And unfortunately, this is the mentality of a majority of their base now and combined with our messed up election system, she or the others like her could have a chance.

McConnell is probably about to retire, not sure he cares that much and even if he stays in, I think he just cares about blocking Democrats and passing tax cuts for the rich. If he really cared, he could have worked with other Republicans and their connections in right media to try to make sure their party didn't get hijacked by the authoritarian, conspiracy theory believing far right and they could have voted to remove Trump in the senate after the first impeachment.