WASHINGTON — Senator Mitch McConnell still has a few obstacles to overcome to become Senate majority leader next year. First, he has to win his own primary and general election back in Kentucky, where his popularity has suffered. Then his fellow Republicans have to pick up at least six seats for the party to take over the Senate for the first time since 2006.

It is not inconceivable at this point, and Mr. McConnell has been giving considerable thought to how he would run the Senate if given the chance. Spoiler alert: It is not how he thinks it is being run now.

“We are going to treat senators with respect — we are going to work harder and accomplish more,” said Mr. McConnell, still furious with Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the current majority leader, over what Republicans considered an outrageous power grab in limiting the filibuster last year. “The Senate can be returned to the place of great debates, contentious debates, but where you can still get outcomes on things where you have at least 60 senators.”

As he looks ahead to the possibility of leading the Senate, Mr. McConnell is promising a more open floor, with senators from both parties able to offer amendments. He says committees would be given more independence and authority to advance legislation. While he would not commit to reversing the limit Democrats put on filibustering White House nominees last November, he said the idea would be on the table if Republicans took charge.