U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell found large crowds waiting in Warren, Allen, Barren, Hart, Nelson, and Shelby Counties as his statewide bus tour rolled through the Second Congressional District on Wednesday. With the exception of Allen, Second Congressional District candidate Brett Guthrie joined McConnell on the stump, along with former Kentucky Adjutant General Donald Storm, Kentucky Senate President David L. Williams, state senate candidate David Givens, state house candidate Shawn McPherson, and a host of local officials at each stop.
Guthrie introduced McConnell in Bardstown, calling McConnell a “giant” in local and national politics.
“He delivers. He matters. He puts Kentucky at the head of the class in Washington," Guthrie said.
McConnell said Guthrie was “perfect to represent the Second District,” noting his background as a veteran and job creator. State Representative David Floyd said both McConnell and Guthrie deserve support because of their conservative values and character.
"Two great leaders are here with us today: Mitch McConnell and Brett Guthrie. And they are going to Washington to serve us and represent our values," Floyd said at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Bardstown.
In Allen County, Clerk Beverly Calvert talked about a project McConnell delivered that has spurred economic development: $948,000 for the Allen County Barren River Boat Ramp, which enhances recreation areas adjacent to the ramp for future economic development and tourism promotion.
"He takes our call and delivers for us," Calvert said. "For instance, he got critical funding for a boat ramp which is leading to economic development. His clout has directly improved the economy in Allen County."
A large and boisterous crowd closed out the night in Simpsonville. State Senators Gary Tapp and Ernie Harris were on hand to support the ticket, and State Representative Brad Montell told the crowd to get out and work between now and Election Day.
“We have a big day coming up, and we need all of you out there fighting for Senator McConnell. His values are your values,” Montell said.
Opening the morning in Bowling Green, an overflow crowd at the Victory Headquarters heard from State Representative Jim Decesare and Guthrie, who underscored the need for a strong grassroots push in the final weekend.
“We need to run up the score here in Warren County, and it looks like we have the grassroots support to do it,” Guthrie said.
General Storm continued on the tour, telling voters that no leader in Washington has done more to equip soldiers in battle, take care of wounded warriors, and take care of military families than Senator McConnell. Storm noted that Senator McConnell’s strong record on veterans issues led the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Political Action Committee (PAC) endorsed him for re-election.
“Nobody has done more to take care of veterans and their families than the senior senator right here,” General Storm said at the event.
Senate President Williams took direct aim the Washington liberals who look to drag our country to the far left.
“They want to raise your taxes. They want to cut the military. If you are a conservative – Democrat or Republican – join us in stopping this fringe left wing agenda before it gets started,” Williams said. He added: “We need Mitch McConnell in Washington to save Nancy Pelosi and the rest of that bunch from their worst inclinations.”
Noting the huge crowds at each stop today, McConnell charged the crowd with a simple task, beginning with those assembled in Bowling Green: "Inconvenience yourself for the next six days. Do more than what you'd ordinarily do. Not for me but for you, and your children, and your grandchildren. Let's go out there in Warren County next Tuesday and beat my opponent like a drum!” McConnell said.
The McConnell bus tour continues in Eastern Kentucky on Thursday. After the completion of the tour on Friday night, the bus will have traveled 4,000 miles and made 62 stops.
