LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell received a hero's welcome Wednesday, at an aluminum fabricating plant that was strengthened by legislation he helped usher through Congress, protecting some 400 jobs.

In a post-earmarks Washington, McConnell has been using his political muscle to protect jobs at home. This year alone, he's credited with helping to preserve some 3,000 jobs in Kentucky.

For generations, politicians have been weighed on their success in directing federal dollars to their home states. With that option out of favor, they've had to find other ways to prove their worth.

Protecting jobs has become a biggie.

McConnell received star treatment Wednesday at Cardinal Aluminum Co. because he had helped pass legislation earlier this year to protect the Louisville firm and its workers from unfair trade practices.