Lunsford calls for return of ‘crossover’ Kentucky Democrats

DENVER – Speaking to Kentucky’s Democratic delegation on Tuesday, U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville) predicted that a certain combination of voters would help him oust four-term incumbent Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) in November’s general election.

“We know that if we get 10 percent of the Republican vote, if we get 50 percent of the independents and we get 75 percent of the Democrats in the state, Mitch McConnell cannot win,” said Lunsford.

There is only one problem in that equation, Lunsford said, according to recent poll data – the Democratic vote.

“We have not seen one poll where we didn’t exceed 10 percent of the Republicans, that we didn’t get 50 percent of independents,” said Lunsford. “It’s time for Democrats to bring back home that crossover Democrat.”

In the last SurveyUSA poll of the race, Lunsford gained just 63 percent of Democrats – short of the benchmark he is aiming for.

A sizeable proportion of registered Democrats, particularly in the western part of the state, have traditionally sided with McConnell and other Republicans in past elections.

“They have fooled them for a long time,” said Lunsford of Republican connections with Kentucky Democrats. “Its important that everyone in this room give them the truth and the truth of where their future lies if they don’t change now from Mitch McConnell to the Democratic agenda, which is today America’s agenda.”

Lunsford blasted McConnell in front of the prominent Kentucky Democrats gathered in Denver, arguing the incumbent – who serves as the Republican leader in the U.S. Senate – did not live up to that label.

“He is a leader – in title. You know, you can stand in a garage, but it doesn’t make you a car,” said Lunsford.  “Just because you have the title doesn’t make you a leader.”