I discovered Mitch McConnell on May 22, 2010. … May 22 was five days after Rand Paul’s primary victory and any celebration we enjoyed had been short-lived. The liberal media was circling, the national Democratic machine was cranking up its attacks and Kentucky Republicans were deeply divided after a contentious spring campaign. The tea party won the primary, but the tea party alone would not be enough to win a general election in a state where Democrats held a 2-to-1 registration advantage. Rand and I rode to Frankfort that morning not knowing what to expect. What we experienced was a very real GOP Unity Rally that had been put together by the only man capable of doing so: Senator Mitch McConnell. That day and every day forward, Sen. McConnell made it clear to Republicans across the state that any primary bickering was to be left in the past, and that the party would come together to enthusiastically support their candidate, Dr. Rand Paul. Sen. McConnell worked tirelessly for our campaign, and in the end, Kentuckians united to produce a grassroots effort that shattered state records. In the final 72 hours alone, our get-out-the-vote operation made over 200,000 live phones calls and knocked on 70,000 doors. Rand cruised to an historic 12-point victory, and we sent a dynamic new leader to the United States Senate. During our campaign, I saw firsthand Sen. McConnell’s ability to unite traditional Republicans, fiscal and social conservatives, tea party activists, independents and conservative Democrats to form a broad coalition that could win. He has risen to Republican leader of the Senate because he governs the same way. If conservatives are going to lead America’s comeback, we’re going to need to lean on Mitch McConnell to help build the consensus necessary to guide the way. Read the full story
