2020 Kentucky US Senate Voters Guide
Mitch McConnell (R) vs Amy McGrath (D)
The Candidates
Ban. Supports speaking up “for unborn children whom our legal system has denied the right to life.” Said recent passing of anti-abortion laws “gives us an opportunity to begin to pick away at Roe v. Wade.”
Legal. Current restrictions are “reasonable.” Concerned with attempts to criminalize abortion in cases of rape, incest, or the life of the mother. Supports women making choices without government interference.
No. Led Senate attempt to repeal the ACA, calling it a “failed law.” Said ACA continues to inflict “pain” on families.
No. Opposed the DISCLOSE Act requiring this, saying the Democrats sought “to shield themselves from average Americans exercising their First Amendment rights.”
Mostly no. Historically has rejected human-caused climate change. More recently said he believes humans are causing it, but address “through technology and innovation,” not regulation.
Yes. Says climate change is happening and a major national security threat, from rising sea-level threatening naval bases to increased floods, hurricanes, and desertification fueling refugee migration.
No. Supported withdrawal from Paris climate agreement, saying it would “handcuff” the U.S. economy; opposed Obama’s Clean Power Plan. Recently refused to extend solar and wind subsidies.
Yes to renewables; unclear on regulation. Invest in infrastructure to support alternatives to coal jobs. Expanded solar and wind will reduce electricity costs and “bring energy-related jobs.”
No recent position found. In 2012 opposed requiring employer health plans to cover contraception.
Yes. In Feb. 2016, when Justice Scalia died, said, “This vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president,” to reflect the voters’ will. Replacing Ginsburg is different, McConnell now says, because voters elected Trump and a Republican Senate.
Loosen. Opposed creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Voted to roll back Dodd-Frank banking regulations, which he called “heavy-handed.”
Tighten. Criticized attempts to roll back Dodd-Frank banking regulations. Noted payday lenders are “preying on anyone who is low-income.”
No. Opposes gun control laws. Sees school security as the best way to stop school shootings. Will follow Trump’s lead on gun control legislation.
Supports measures with broad support like preventing mentally ill from buying guns, background checks at gun shows and bump stock restrictions.
Mixed. Supported some protections for DACA recipients in exchange for strongly restricting legal immigration. Rejected House bill offering a path to citizenship, though might consider in broader deal.
Yes. Congress must fulfill duty as “the only branch of our government with constitutional authority for war-making.”
No. “I’ve always felt that marriage was between one man and one woman.” But sees 2015 Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage as “the law of the land.”
No. A minimum wage hike would “kill jobs and depress the economy.”
No. Led efforts to remove federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
Yes. Called the bill “major tax relief for middle-class families and small businesses.”
