A debate on Monday between Senate Leader Mitch McConnell and his Democratic opponent Amy McGrath was the backdrop for loads of laughter from the majority leader.
McGrath challenged McConnell on his decision to allow a Memorial Day recess in the Senate rather than negotiate a deal with Nancy Pelosi and Democrats, when a $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill was on the table.
McGrath, a retired Marine combat pilot, was aggressive from the outset in blaming the senator for the lack of another round of federal relief for a pandemic-battered economy, calling it a “dereliction of duty.” McConnell blamed congressional Democrats for the stalemated negotiations.
McConnell insisted he was an asset for Kentucky, and degraded McGrath’s campaign, saying, “I think her entire campaign is: She’s a Marine, she’s a mom and I’ve been there too long.”
McGrath responded: “Senator, you’ve been there for 36 years. How’s it looking, Kentucky?” She pointed to the state’s stubbornly high cancer and diabetes rates along with lack of broadband access and well-paying jobs in some parts of the state.
