Kentucky Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes won't say whether she voted for Obama
Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes, who has labored to distance herself from President Obama in her run for U.S. Senate in Kentucky, refuses to say whether she voted for Mr. Obama in 2008 and 2012.
I respect the sanctity of the ballot box, and I know that the members of this editorial board do as well, Mrs. Grimes told the Louisville Courier-Journal at an editorial board interview Thursday.
Her dodging of the question drew harsh criticism form political pundits.
NBC News Chuck Todd said Friday that Mrs. Grimes had effectively disqualified herself from the race.
Is she ever going to answer a tough question on anything? You want to be a U.S. senator? Mr. Todd said Friday on the networks Morning Joe show. If you cant answer that basic question and you come across looking that ridiculous, I think she disqualified herself. I really do.
Her opponent, incumbent Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, has slammed Ms. Grimes for being President Obamas candidate in Kentucky, where the president and his policies are extremely unpopular.
In the editorial board interview, the newspaper repeatedly prodded Ms. Grimes to reveal her vote in 2008 and 2012.
You know, this election it isnt about the president. Its about making sure we put Kentuckians back to work, she said.
Did you vote for him? the interviewer pressed.
I was actually in 08 a delegate for Hilary Clinton and I, I think that Kentuckians know Im a Clinton Democrat through and through, Ms. Grimes said. I respect the sanctity of the ballot box, and I know that the members of this editorial board do as well.
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Kentucky Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes won't say whether she voted for Obama