In spite of endorsement, McConnell 'looks forward' to more time in Congress with Chandler

DENVER -- The campaign of incumbent Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) tried to sound a note of confidence in response to the news that U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Versailles) had officially announced his support of Democratic Senate candidate Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville) - Chandler's former political rival.

"Senator McConnell has enjoyed working with Congressman Chandler on key issues and looks forward to continuing that bipartisan relationship over the next six years," said McConnell's campaign manager Justin Brasell in a statement presupposing a McConnell victory over Lunsford in November.

"We think Congressman Chandler showed particularly good judgment when he said that Senator McConnell's leadership was 'essential' as they worked together on obtaining funding for Kentucky State University, and that he appreciated Senator McConnell's 'ongoing leadership' in cleaning up the chemical weapons stored at the Bluegrass Army Depot," continued Brasell, referencing earlier Chandler quotes culled from two press releases.

"Senator McConnell looks forward to six more years of fostering bipartisan relationships that move Kentucky and our nation forward," added Brasell.

McConnell and Chandler conducted a joint visit to the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond just last week to consider the destruction of chemical weapons there, while the two also worked together to secure funds for Kentucky State University.

Chandler, who faced off against Lunsford in a contentious Democratic gubernatorial primary in 2003, enunciated his support for his former rival during a morning speech before Kentucky's delegation to the Democratic National Convention.

He did not mention McConnell's name during his remarks.