Fact-checking women’s issues in the Kentucky Senate race
The latest back and forth in the Kentucky Senate race is a throwback to the 2012 presidential election, when President Barack Obama challenged Mitt Romney on women’s issues.
Following that playbook, Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes released an ad claiming that Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has forgotten that “over half the voters in Kentucky are women.” She cited his recent votes against the Violence Against Women Act as evidence.
With the help of his wife, former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, McConnell shot back against those claims in his own ad.
“Have you ever noticed how some liberals feel entitled to speak on behalf of all women?” Chao asks. A narrator then notes McConnell was an early supporter of the Violence Against Women Act.
We took a look at claims in the two ads surrounding the recent reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Both candidates are stretching the truth in their attempt to appeal to women voters.
Our Sources
Alison Lundergan Grimes campaign ad, "Question from Ilene," July 30, 2014
Mitch McConnell campaign ad, "As If," July 30, 2014
PolitiFact, "Alison Lundergan Grimes ad claims McConnell twice voted against Violence Against Women Act," Aug. 13, 2014
PolitiFact, "Mitch McConnell says he supported 'stronger' Violence Against Women Act than Barack Obama," Aug. 13, 2014
