Alison Lundergan Grimes will challenge Mitch McConnell

"Kentucky is tired of a senior senator that has lost touch with Kentucky issues, voters and their values," she said

Published July 1, 2013 7:51PM (EDT)

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, D.     (Wikipedia/Patrick Delahanty)
Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, D. (Wikipedia/Patrick Delahanty)

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes announced Monday that she will challenge Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in the 2014 election. "I'm here today to tell you that I have met with my supporters, we have had a great conversation and determined and decided that we can make the best move, the best difference in the Commonwealth of Kentucky by running for U.S. Senate," Grimes, a Democrat, said in a press conference announcing her run.

"I agree with thousands of Kentuckians, that Kentucky is tired of 28 years of obstruction," she said, adding: "Kentucky is tired of a senior Senator that has lost touch with Kentucky issues, voters and their values."

Grimes could prove a formidable opponent for McConnell: A May poll from the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling found that McConnell and Grimes were neck-and-neck at 45 percent. McConnell, in general, is facing some tough poll numbers: The same survey found that 47 percent of voters disapprove of him, with only 44 percent approving.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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2014 Elections Alison Lundergan Grimes Democrats Kentucky Mitch Mcconnell