Still Struggling With My 'HumTREY DumpTREY' Imagery? Maybe This Will Help: McConnell Says Paul Can Win

Today from National Journal Online:

McConnell has taken the unusual step of publicly endorsing Sec/State Trey Grayson (R), who McConnell helped coax into the race to replace retiring Sen. Jim Bunning (R). Though he only endorsed last week, McConnell's top aides have been quietly helping Grayson's struggling campaign.

GOPers with knowledge of McConnell's decision to endorse told Hotline OnCall the min. leader made his pick precisely because he is concerned that Paul cannot beat either LG Daniel Mongiardo (D) or AG Jack Conway (D), the leading contenders for the Dem nomination.

Read that again, especially the part where the "Min. leader made his pick precisely because he is concerned that Paul cannot beat either [democrat in November]".  Now read "The REST of the story"

Senate Min. Leader Mitch McConnell believes his home state will elect a GOP senator next year even if ophthalmologist Rand Paul (R) wins the party's primary -- a notion starkly at odds with that of top GOPers in DC and KY, including many close to McConnell.

"I think we'll be able to elect a Republican senator regardless of the outcome of the Republican primary," McConnell said on ABC News' Topline on Monday, when asked whether Paul would be able to hold the seat. "I think Kentucky's in a pretty Republican mood this year." [National Journal Online]

Given the chance to say "Rand Paul can't win", the favorite argument advanced by McConnell to run off support from anyone but his own candidate, McConnell chose instead to make nice.  He wouldn't do that if he wasn't already looking toward the unity rally and calculating who the star was going to be.

Nudged off the wall, or thrown under a bus?  You choose.  Either way, Oops! 

P.S. You were given plenty of warnings, Trey.

Comments

[JohnG]

That's what they all say in the beginning ;) Seriously, someone has to challenge him. If you don't want to run yourself I hope you'll at least try to find someone who can :)

[Marc Carey]

John, Oli, not a chance.

[JohnG]

I agree you should run against Mitch in 2014 :) And I look forward to reading your debate analysis.

[Oli]

I know it's early, but I'm getting acquainted with the idea that you will be drafted to run for Mitch's seat in 2014 or before if he does not complete his term.

You will have an ally with similar values in Sen. Rand Paul, and I'm convinced that Kentuckians will be ready to give ol' Mitch the boot at last...

Stars are aligning for you Marcus!

[Mr. Scott Ryan]

I am going to have to still respectfully disagree. McConnell may be hedging his bets, but these I.E. are designed to get this thing close. And, I have to tell you, it is working up here. He has catered his ads up here for Northern Kentuckians. "Help elect a Northern Kentuckian to the U.S. Senate." That is in the video ads up here.

My biggest fear is that Sen. McConnell is going to convince Mr. Grayson to commit a felony at the polling precincts. "I have done everything I can, now it is your turn. You're within reach, what are you going to do to put yourself over the top."

I hope Mr. Grayson does not fall for it.

[JD]

Oh my goodness! I remember McConnell saying Ernie Fletcher can't win to get support for Anne Northup, and I remember him saying the same thing about Jim Bunning. In fact, I think I used to hear him say that about Rand Paul.

You are right! He had to make good on his promises to Grayson to help, but now when it looks like Paul will win, McConnell just gave Rand a big boost and took away a sizable argument why people should vote for Trey!!!!!

Carey, you spotted this one and called it early. Nice catch.