LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The U.S. Senate's top Republican has offered up his thoughts on the Democratic presidential ticket.
In a speech to the National Conference of State Legislators Republican Breakfast in Louisville on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) said he wasn't surprised by Kamala Harris choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
"In case you missed it, this is who Bernie Sanders recommended she pick. So she double downed on herself. And so I think they have given us a ticket here that represents the far left of the Democratic party," he said.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who had been considered for that VP spot, described Walz as a good guy who served as a public school teacher. He said Walz is a great choice.
McConnell, who spoke at the Fancy Farm picnic last weekend, also poked fun at Beshear's support for Harris. McConnell said it was "no surprise for a guy used to having jobs served up to him on a silver platter.”
Beshear, the son of former two-term Gov. Steve Beshear, has won three tough elections in ruby red Kentucky — once for attorney general and twice for governor. The McConnell-Beshear rivalry dates back to the 1990s when McConnell defeated Steve Beshear in a Senate race.
McConnell promoted Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at Fancy Farm, saying Trump's return to the White House would "bring our economy roaring back.”
McConnell endorsed Trump in March, a remarkable turnaround from the onetime critic who blamed the then-president for "disgraceful" acts in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Trump is an overwhelming favorite to carry Kentucky in November.
Related stories:
- Harris' pick of Walz amps up excitement in Midwestern states where Democrats look to heal divisions
- Harris-Walz vs. Trump-Vance: It's now an expanded battle for both the Sun Belt and Rust Belt
- Harris wins Democratic presidential nomination in virtual roll call. Here's how the process worked
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pledges support for Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz
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