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Nation Looks To Kentucky Senate Race |
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Posted by -Chuck
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Wednesday, 29 October 2008 |
By: Andy Alcock - WLKY
Louisville, Ky - With one week to go before the election, the national spotlight is shining on Kentucky. The focus is on the race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Mitch McConnell, a four-term incumbent.
Recent polling indicates this race will likely be very competitive on Election Day, and there's strong interest outside the Bluegrass State because the outcome could have national implications.
After two unsuccessful runs for governor, Bruce Lunsford is challenging McConnell
"We need some fresh blood," he said.
"It gives us clout for a small state to have one of the two leaders in the Senate," McConnell said.
While defeating a member of the senate leadership in a re-election bid is extremely rare, it's not unprecedented. Four years ago, Tom Daschle -- who like McConnell -- was Senate Minority Leader at the time, lost his South Dakota race to former Rep. John Thune.
"Tom had a problem I don't have," McConnell said. "George Bush was sweeping South Dakota. John McCain will carry Kentucky comfortably."
"What probably is unprecedented is an outsider winning a race like this one, which makes sense because voters are looking for some real-world experience," Lunsford said.
Currently, the U.S. Senate has 51 Democrats and 49 Republicans. Twenty-three of those Republican seats are up for election, as opposed to 12 Democratic seats.
Democrats are hoping for a net gain of nine seats to reach 60, enough votes to stop filibuster or delay tactics on partisan issues before the Senate. A Lunsford win could be the difference for the Democrats to reach that goal.
"I think 60 is probably unrealistic, but it's good for me because I'll be in the majority," he said.
"Most Americans don't want either party to have too much power," McConnell said. "The Senate is a place where time is taken to debate issues and compromises are made in the middle."
Millions of dollars have been poured into this race, not only by the candidates, but also the two major parties and other outside sources.
McConnell has raised a record of close to $18 million for his campaign.
Lunsford has raised better than $7 million, most of it -- more than $5 million -- is his own money.
The salary for a U.S. senator is $169,300 a year. Because McConnell is in the leadership, he makes $188,000.
-Original Article-
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