Longtime political journalist discusses race to replace U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell
By John McGary
March 11, 2025 at 4:38 PM EDT
The race to replace U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell is underway, but the man who’s arguably the most influential Republican in Kentucky history isn’t being embraced by GOP candidates. Al Cross is a longtime political reporter and a member of the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame.
“That's what happens when your party is the victim of a hostile takeover. Mitch McConnell's brand went bad under Donald Trump, and now the people who want to succeed him realize that a Donald Trump endorsement would be of great influence in the primary.”
For critics of McConnell, the fact that would-be Republican successors aren’t linking arms with him is a delicious bit of irony. Former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who worked for McConnell, criticized him for not supporting every Trump nominee. Cross said that may not be much of a surprise.
“Votes on personnel matters are separable from votes on policy matters, so that may have been a convenient way for Cameron to disassociate himself from McConnell.”
Other possible GOP candidates are Lexington businessman Nate Morris and Congressman Andy Barr, who interned for McConnell.
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“That's what happens when your party is the victim of a hostile takeover. Mitch McConnell's brand went bad under Donald Trump, and now the people who want to succeed him realize that a Donald Trump endorsement would be of great influence in the primary.”
For critics of McConnell, the fact that would-be Republican successors aren’t linking arms with him is a delicious bit of irony. Former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who worked for McConnell, criticized him for not supporting every Trump nominee. Cross said that may not be much of a surprise.
“Votes on personnel matters are separable from votes on policy matters, so that may have been a convenient way for Cameron to disassociate himself from McConnell.”
Other possible GOP candidates are Lexington businessman Nate Morris and Congressman Andy Barr, who interned for McConnell.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.