Former U.S. Senate candidate Nate Morris of Kentucky expressed no regret over his criticisms of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell while a candidate for his seat. The Lexington entrepreneur appeared Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee which is considering whether to confirm him as the next ambassador to Colombia.
Kentuckian Nate Morris, tapped by President Donald Trump to become US Ambassador to Colombia, appeared Wednesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his confirmation hearing.
The exchange became tense over his primary campaign to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell.
While McConnell's name wasn't explicitly mentioned, Morris was questioned about his criticisms of "one of our Senate colleagues."
Morris, who founded a waste management company, vowed to "take out the trash" when referring to McConnell during his Senate bid.
Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) asked Morris how he would transition from a heated campaign to a diplomat.
"With your hopeful diplomatic hat on, is there anything you would like to say or have you taken any steps to rectify a perhaps damaged relationship?," questioned Curtis.
"Look, I'm very proud of the campaign we ran, and I think that obviously getting the nomination from the president was one of the great honors of my life, but I think the way we exited our campaign, as well, tells you everything you need to know about my character," Morris responded.
"No regrets?," asked Curtis. "Nothing to say? That's all I'm asking."
"Senator, I'm very proud of the campaign we ran," Morris reiterated.
Morris launched his Senate bid as a political outsider and lobbed attacks toward his fellow Republican, at one point calling him a "decrepit old mob boss" while mocking his health scares. Morris' first TV campaign ad showed him shoving a cardboard cutout of McConnell into the back of a garbage truck.
The Lexington entrepreneur ended his bid for U.S. Senate weeks before this year's primary election at the urging of President Trump, who promised to recommend him for a White House role.
Trump endorsed US Rep. Andy Barr, who ended up winning the GOP primary in the race to succeed the retiring 84-year-old McConnell.
At other points in the hearing, Morris talked about how he would strengthen ties with Colombia, which is set to inaugurate a new president on Aug. 7.
Morris vowed to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigration, expand economic opportunity, and serve Americans who live and travel in the South American country.
"Building my company taught me that success depends on accountability, transparency, and especially hard work," Morris said. "Those are the principles I will bring to Embassy Bogota if confirmed."
Morris would be the fifth Kentuckian to serve as US Ambassador to Columbia.
The committee adjourned without scheduling a vote. If approved by the committee, Morris' nomination would head before the full Senate for confirmation.
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