U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Secretary of State Tray Grayson, and Kentucky Senate President David L. Williams traveled through Central Kentucky on Saturday making seven stops in Fayette, Clark, Madison, Estill, Garrard, Boyle, and Casey Counties.  At each stop, they were joined by local officials who attested to McConnell’s leadership on delivering for their priorities, representing conservative values in Washington, and standing up for our nation’s veterans and law enforcement officers.

Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue joined Senator McConnell and touted his leadership in the Senate and how it benefits the people of Kentucky.
 
“As a law enforcement officer, I'm proud of what Mitch McConnell has done for us,” Sheriff Perdue said. “And that's why he was endorsed by the Kentucky State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.”
 
Mayor Burtner said McConnell was a friend of Winchester and Clark County.
 
“When it comes to veterans issues, Senator McConnell has been at the forefront,” Burtner said. “He's a true friend to veterans and we appreciate his leadership.”
 
During this year’s campaign, Senator McConnell has been endorsed by the Kentucky State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, the National Right to Life and Kentucky Right to Life, the National Rifle Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) PAC.

In Madison County, McConnell talked about one of his signature priorities: “the safe and timely destruction of the more than 500 tons of chemical weapons at the Blue Grass Army Depot.

“I am committed to getting it done, and no freshman would be able to do that,” McConnell said.  McConnell has already secured over $100 million for the safe elimination of the chemical weapons stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD).   In addition to these funds, McConnell introduced an amendment to the Defense Appropriation bill, which became law in December of last year, that set a deadline of 2017 for disposal of the stockpiles at BGAD.

Learn more about Senator McConnell’s work on behalf of the citizens of Madison County from Craig Williams, director of the Chemical Weapons Working Group:

McConnell and Grayson repeatedly stressed the importance of a strong grassroots campaign during Saturday’s trip.  McConnell noted that money is pouring in from around the country to defeat him because he represents conservative values in Washington. 

“Every liberal group in America is out to get me, and I sure am proud of that,” McConnell told a packed house at the Madison County Republican Party Headquarters in Richmond.

Kicking off the morning in Lexington, Grayson marveled at the huge, boisterous crowd.

"It's amazing to see this enthusiasm here in Fayette County," Grayson said to an overflow crowd at the Victory Headquarters. "We need Mitch McConnell in the U.S. Senate fighting for us, and we are going to send him back to Washington because of this outpouring of grassroots support.  Everyone in this room knows Mitch McConnell can do more for Kentucky."

In Danville, McConnell continued the theme.

“My views are your views, and I am here for you.  Today I am asking you to do something for our country.  Get out there and round up every vote you can get.  And on November 4, I want you to help me beat this guy like a drum,” McConnell told the enthusiastic crowd.

In Lancaster, Judge Executive John Wilson joined the tour and told the crowd that Senator McConnell “is really in touch with what’s happening in Garrard County.

“The last time I was up in Washington, it was kind of an unannounced visit, and Senator McConnell asked me 'how's everything up on Fuzzy Duck Road?'” Wilson said. “This is a man who knows our county well and is a strong leader who gets things done for all of Kentucky, and represents our values well in Washington, D.C.”
 
Garrard County has benefited greatly from McConnell’s work on the tobacco buyout, where farmers will received $37 million.  All totaled, the counties McConnell visited Saturday will receive nearly $250 million in tobacco buyout funds.

Estill County Judge Executive Wallace Taylor welcomed a large crowd in Irvine on much the same note—Mitch McConnell is a responsive Senator who moves quickly to help people across the state.

"What a difference Senator McConnell has made in Estill County. He has supported our efforts to improve our fire departments and upgrade our equipment," Taylor said. "He represents us very well. I'm proud to call him our senator, and proud to call him my friend."

The bus tour resumes Monday when Senator McConnell heads back to Western Kentucky.