LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Election Day is one day away and if you're still caught between candidates, here’s a breakdown of some important details regarding the U.S. Senate race between Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Amy McGrath:
McConnell is seeking a seventh term and has touted his experience and record during his campaign, like his record of getting conservative judges confirmed and, most recently, legislation the Senate has passed to address health and financial impacts of the pandemic.
“Every bill has to start somewhere and the CARES Act started in my office,” he said. “And we built it out to tackle both of these unique, incredible challenges.”
Meanwhile, McGrath says after 36 years, it's time for someone new to take McConnell’s seat. She says if elected, her priority will be helping Kentuckians through affordable health care, expanding broadband access, and investing in infrastructure and education.
“I'm somebody that's going to fight for raising minimum wage,” she said. “I'm going to fight for workers' rights to be able to unionize, to be able to fight for better benefits, for better healthcare, and all those things. And Mitch McConnell is the opposite of that.”
McGrath has emphasized the need to protect the Affordable Care Act, while pointing out that McConnell spent years trying to dismantle it.
On some other topics, OnTheIssues.org breaks down that McConnell has opposed gun control in the past, while McGrath supports it. On abortion, McGrath supports a woman's right to choose, while McConnell’s voting record has leaned toward a pro-life stance.
When it comes to racial inequality, a huge topic of conversation this year, McGrath has released a plan to advance racial justice, which includes helping to close the wealth gap between black and white households.
“I know what I stand for. I know that we have to work to make a better Kentucky and a better country for our families,” said McGrath.
However, during a recent campaign stop, McConnell warned that McGrath would remake the Senate through measures like eliminating the filibuster and pushing for statehood for Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
“We're not going to let these people ruin this country. We're going to get through this virus, and we're going to come out stronger than ever,” said McConnell.
While six Democrats have tried and failed to beat McConnell in the past, McGrath is hopeful she'll change the outcome this time. However, in recent polls, she is trailing behind McConnell.
