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HAWKINS TEAGUE/Ledger & Times
Sen. Mitch McConnell greets supporters like Diane Taylor in downtown Murray after stepping off his campaign bus yesterday. |
McConnell says his clout is key
By HAWKINS TEAGUE
Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell told Calloway County supporters Tuesday afternoon that if his Democratic opponent wins, the state would be giving up his clout and influence as the leader of the Senate Republicans.
McConnell, who spoke at the county's GOP headquarters downtown, became the Senate minority leader after Democrats secured a one-seat majority two years ago. After speeches by his wife, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, State Sen. Ken Winters and State Senate President David Williams, McConnell said his leadership position gives him enormous influence and allowed him to bring $500 million in federal money back to the state last year alone.
He said he had worked to get $117,000 for the Murray Police Department's communication equipment; $2 million for the Murray-Calloway Industrial Park; and $550,000 for the Murray State University/Breathitt Veterinary Center Plant and Animal Health Monitoring Research. He said he had also helped secure a buyout for Kentucky tobacco farmers, which would give growers and quota holders in Calloway County almost $43 million over the length of the buyout.
“A rookie doesn't get to do that,” he said. “There's no chance that Bruce Lunsford would get to do that. He would have to sit in the back and his first responsibility would be to walk down the aisle and salute (Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid so he could tell him how to vote.”
For complete story, see today's Ledger & Times
Story created Oct 29, 2008 - 12:34:46 EDT.
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