While watching the World Series, I’ve seen a few too many political commercials over the last week. Many of these, in the Cincinnati TV market, are for or against US Sen. Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, Senate Minority Leader. McConnell’s being seriously challenged by Democrat Bruce Lunsford.
Democratic office:
GOP office:
“McConnell will pull this out because of his record and outstanding performance as a campaigner,” said 4th District GOP Chairman Kevin Sell of Alexandria. “Northern Kentucky will certainly be the key to his win. You also have to remember that (Democratic presidential candidate Barack) Obama is not popular and a lot of Democrats will stay home.”
In a subsequent poll by the same two media outlets, Republican presidential candidate John McCain led Obama by 16 points. McCain’s lead in the 4th District was 27 points.
“Sen. McConnell has had a tough campaign this year largely because of the massive amount of money that has been poured into this race by Lunsford and the Democrat party,” said Campbell County GOP Chairman Jeff Kidwell. “Sen. McConnell continues to be a high-profile target because of his position of power in the Senate. Northern Kentucky will come out big for Senator McConnell, and I believe in record numbers.”
But Democrats say McConnell is in danger of losing.
“There is a very good chance Mitch McConnell is already losing this race,” said Kentucky Democratic Party Vice Chairman Nathan Smith of Fort Mitchell. “People are looking at this race and wondering where he has been for 24 years, what has he done for Kentucky.
“If you think the country is on the right track, vote for Mitch McConnell; if you don’t, then it is time for a change,” Smith said.
Covington Democrat Chuck Eilerman, a party activist and organizer, said McConnell is saddled with President Bush, who is suffering from low approval ratings.