While in Northern Kentucky last week, McConnell said it’s more likely Republicans gain control of the U.S. House than the Senate. But it’s the reason he hinted at that’s drawing attention.
"Candidate quality has a lot to do with the outcome."Sen. Mitch McConnell, on fall Senate races
That phrase – “candidate quality” – was read by many as a shot across the bow at former President Donald Trump, who has helped get a number of Republican candidates who deny the 2020 election results on the ballot in November.
And Trump noticed, posting a scathing attack on both McConnell and his wife, Elaine Chao, Trump’s own former transportation secretary.
The rift is further highlighting the thin line some Republicans are walking as they angle for midterm gains while sounding less than enthused about allowing Trump’s false election claims to gain a stronger foothold in Congress and guide its agenda.
A few months ago, Republicans were growing confident they would retake the Senate in November. Now, Democrats have hope of retaining their 50-seat majority.
— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) August 22, 2022
Control of the chamber could come down to these races: https://t.co/Ybj9TqidjG
Asked about the Trump-backed candidates on Meet the Press, Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr avoided directly criticizing fellow Republicans, instead steering the conversation back toward issues like inflation and crime.
"That's what the American people care about and politicians who obsess about the past are not in touch with the American people," Barr said.
But the “candidate quality” question is bound to dog Republicans this election season as the party undergoes yet another stress test, pitting more traditional candidates against those who remain loyal to the former president.
In Georgetown Monday, McConnell offered a few signals about his endorsement plans in Kentucky’s statewide office races.
The Republican leader confirmed he will not be throwing his political weight behind any particular candidate in the crowded GOP primary race to challenge Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. That’s despite one of his protégés, Daniel Cameron, being on the ballot.
Cameron currently occupies the attorney general post. In the race to replace him, McConnell did say candidate Russell Coleman – a former senior advisor and legal counsel to the Republican leader – would be a “great choice” for the post.
Responding to the drama surrounding the Biden administration’s planned-but-ultimately-scrapped, nomination of a conservative attorney to a federal judgeship in Kentucky, McConnell said the matter is at a “kind of a stalemate.” Without a nominee, the current occupant, Judge Karen Caldwell, is still in place.
The GOP leader also updated his predictions about the potential for a GOP Senate takeover in November, putting the odds at 50/50.
