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Senate Candidates Meet in Debate on KET

Official Photos, cropped

Kentucky's U.S. Senate candidates met last night on statewide television for the only debate of the 2016 campaign.

Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and Democrat Lexington Mayor Jim Gray appeared together on KET's "Kentucky Tonight.”

During the hour-long face-off, Gray reiterated a charge that Paul is more concerned about another run for the presidency than with the office he holds.                  

“He’s not thinking about Kentuckians and Kentuckians needs and challenges and problems,” Gray said. “That’s what I’m committed to, serving Kentucky. He’s not even agreed that he will serve a full term.”

The incumbent responded that his opponent is ignoring his duties as Mayor of Lexington while running for the Senate.

“Also made 96 percent of my votes,” said Paul “Many people ran for president and missed half their votes. I made 96 percent of my votes. Some have said I’m the hardest working senator up there and I think it’s probably true.”

This is the only time the two candidates will debate in person, and only the third time the candidates have appeared together during the campaign.

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