With abortion increasingly a wedge issue in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, Trey Grayson got a key endorsement on Friday from the Kentucky Right to Life Political Action Committee.
The decision by the group's Board of Directors underscores the challenge faced by the other frontrunner in the race, Rand Paul, who has never run for office before. As a result, Paul needs to earn the trust of voters who have already voted Grayson into office twice before. Grayson, meanwhile, is attempting to not only define his own positions on key issues but Paul's positions, too.
"Their support provides a huge boost to our campaign," Grayson said, linking himself to incumbent Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY).
Paul's campaign manager, David Adams, acknowledged the frustration of the Paul campaign in what he says are mischaracterizations of Paul's positions on several flashpoint issues. "Rand Paul is 100% pro-life and will always vote to protect unborn babies," Adams said in a statement, "Rand's grassroots supporters across Kentucky have understood this since the beginning and are doing a superior job of communicating that to Republican primary voters."
Meanwhile, Grayson is also announcing the endorsements of seven Republicans on the Louisville Metro Council:
Jon Ackerson (District 18)
Ken Fleming (District 7)
Kevin Kramer (District 11)
Kelly Downard (District 16)
Glen Stuckel (District 17)
Stuart Benson (District 20)
James Peden (District 23)
Here are the news releases:
Kentucky Right to Life
STATE'S LARGEST RIGHT TO LIFE GROUP ENDORSES SECRETARY OF
STATE TREY GRAYSON FOR THE U.S. SENATE RACE
Louisville . . .The Kentucky Right to Life Political Action Committee Board of Directors is pleased to announce its ENDORSEMENT of Secretary of State Trey Grayson in the primary election on May 18 for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Pro Life champion Sen. Jim Bunning.
Secretary Grayson's steadfast commitment to the protection of all innocent human life earned him the KRLA PAC Endorsement in 2003 and in 2007, and now as a U.S. Senate candidate, KRLA PAC is urging that KY voters send Secretary of State Trey Grayson to Washington, D.C. in 2010.
Trey Grayson
The Kentucky Right to Life Association Political Action Committee announced today that it is endorsing Secretary of State Trey Grayson in the Republican Primary for U.S. Senate
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Kentucky Right to Life. The men and women involved in this organization across the Commonwealth tirelessly champion the rights of all innocent human life, and their support provides a huge boost to our campaign. Like Senator Bunning, I will be a voice for the unborn and fight for those who cannot defend themselves. You can always count on me to stand up for Kentucky values,” Grayson said.
To date more than 60 Kentucky elected officials have endorsed Grayson’s campaign for U.S. Senate, including 27 state legislators, 27 County Judge/Executives, and 7 members of the Louisville Metro Council.
Rand Paul
"Rand Paul is 100% pro-life and will always vote to protect unborn babies. Rand's grassroots supporters across Kentucky have understood this since the beginning and are doing a superior job of communicating that to Republican primary voters."
David Adams
Trey Grayson - Louisville Metro Council endorsements
Trey Grayson Announces Endorsements from Louisville Metro Council Members
Florence, Kentucky –
Seven members of the Louisville Metro Council announced today that they are endorsing Secretary of State Trey Grayson in his primary for U.S. Senate.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of these leaders in Kentucky’s largest city. With the support of these well respected metro council members our organization continues to grow and become stronger. I look forward to their active involvement in our campaign as we gain more momentum every day,” Grayson said.
Grayson announced endorsements from the following metro council members:
Jon Ackerson (District 18)
Ken Fleming (District 7)
Kevin Kramer (District 11)
Kelly Downard (District 16)
Glen Stuckel (District 17)
Stuart Benson (District 20)
James Peden (District 23)
“I have known Trey for years, and I firmly believe that he is the conservative candidate who stands apart and who we need to be our next U.S. Senator,” said Fleming. “His commitment to fiscal discipline has been shown in his record as Secretary of State, and I know he will continue to offer the common sense conservative solutions we need to get spending under control in Washington and get our nation back on track.”
“Trey Grayson is the most qualified candidate for U.S. Senate in this election,” said Peden. “He is the candidate who will best represent Kentucky, fight for our priorities and most effectively oppose the radical liberal agenda of this Congress and the current Administration. He will be more than just a ‘No’ vote against the liberal agenda and will work hard for Louisville and the rest of the Commonwealth.”
To date more than 60 Kentucky elected officials have endorsed Grayson’s campaign for U.S. Senate, including 27 state legislators and 27 County Judge/Executives.
