By Lisa Autry
Bowling Green, KY – Kentucky's senior U.S. Senator is taking the rare step of endorsing a member of his party in the primary election. Mitch McConnell is backing Secretary of State Trey Grayson for the Republican nomination in the race for retiring Senator Jim Bunning's seat. Doctor Scott Lasley teaches political science at Western Kentucky University, and thinks McConnell's endorsement acknowledges that Grayson's campaign is not in a position of strength.
"I think the other thing that this has taken on is a battle within a battle within perhaps Republican party. I think that it's very difficult to see Jim Bunning's endorsement of Rand Paul as another other than a jab at Senator McConnell."
Bunning, who is retiring this year, endorsed Bowling Green doctor Rand Paul, last month. McConnell says Grayson has "a proven conservative record and understands that Kentuckians are his first responsibility."