2014 United States Senate election in Kentucky explained

Election Name:	2014 United States Senate election in Kentucky
Country:	Kentucky
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2008 United States Senate election in Kentucky
Previous Year:	2008
Next Election:	2020 United States Senate election in Kentucky
Next Year:	2020
Election Date:	November 4, 2014
Turnout:	46.27%
Image1:	File:Mitch McConnell official portrait 112th Congress.jpg
Nominee1:	Mitch McConnell
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	806,787
Percentage1:	56.19%
Nominee2:	Alison Lundergan Grimes
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	584,698
Percentage2:	40.72%
Map Size:	300px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Mitch McConnell
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)
After Election:	Mitch McConnell
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

The 2014 United States Senate election in Kentucky took place on November 4, 2014, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky, concurrently with elections to the United States Senate in other states and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections.

Incumbent Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, ran for re-election to a sixth term.^[1] He faced Democratic nominee and Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and Libertarian nominee David Patterson in the general election.

The race was initially seen as a possible pickup opportunity for Democrats, largely due to McConnell's unpopularity among Kentucky voters.^[2] By election day, however, both The Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Political Report considered Republicans to be favored.^[3] McConnell ultimately defeated Grimes by a landslide margin^[4] of 56.2% to 40.7%.

Republican primary

Immediately after a secret recording of Mitch McConnell and his campaign staff was released to Mother Jones, McConnell expressed concerns about what he saw as a threat from the left. David Adams, a Kentucky Tea Party activist who was seeking a Republican opponent to McConnell, told The New York Times that McConnell's fears about "threats from the left" were misplaced. Adams said: "It's going to come from the right. The fact that he's coming unglued about this thing should make clear to observers that he may not be ready for the challenge that lies ahead."^[5]

McConnell won the primary with 60.2% of the vote.^[6] According to analysis by the University of Minnesota, this is the lowest voter support for a Kentucky U.S. Senator in a primary by either party since 1938.^[7]

Candidates

Declared

• Matt Bevin, businessman^[8]
• Brad Copas, former National Guardsman^[9]
• Mitch McConnell, incumbent U.S. senator^[1]
• Chris Payne, party promoter^{[9] [10]}
• Shawna Sterling, doctoral student^{[11] [12] [13]}

Withdrew

• Gurley L. Martin, World War II veteran and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2010^{[14] [15]}

Declined

• Andy Barr, U.S. representative^{[16] [17]}
• Ernie Fletcher, former governor of Kentucky and former U.S. representative^[18]
• Brett Guthrie, U.S. representative
• John Kemper, candidate for state auditor in 2011^[19]
• Thomas Massie, U.S. representative^[20]

Polling

Poll source				Mitch McConnell	Matt Bevin	Brad Copas	Chris Payne	Shawna Sterling	Undecided
align=left	Wenzel Strategies^[21]	July 23–24, 2013	302	± 5.6%		58.9%	19.9%	—	—	—	21.2%
align=left	Voter/Consumer Research ^^[22]	August 18–20, 2013	600	± 4%		68%	21%	—	—	—	8%
align=left	Lake Research Partners^[23]	October 24–29, 2013	603	± 4%		50%	17%	—	—	—	33%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[24]	December 12–15, 2013	540	± 4.2%		53%	26%	—	—	—	21%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[25]	January 2, 2014	683	± 4%		53%	31%	—	—	—	16%
align=left	Bluegrass Poll^[26]	January 30 – February 4, 2014	404	± 4.9%		55%	29%	—	—	—	15%
align=left	Wenzel Strategies^[27]	February 8–11, 2014	377	± 5.03%		58.5%	17.4%	—	—	—	24.1%
align=left	Public Opinion Strategies^[28]	February 24–26, 2014	400	± 4.9%		61%	23%	—	—	—	16%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[29]	April 15–17, 2014	638	± 4%		51%	34%	—	—	—	15%
align=left	NBC News/Marist^[30]	April 30 – May 6, 2014	760	± 3.6%		55%	22%	1%	3%	2%	17%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[31]	May 12, 2014	629	± 4%		48%	34%	—	—	—	18%
align=left	Bluegrass Poll^[32]	May 14–16, 2014	605	± 4%		55%	35%	1%	1%	3%	5%

• ^ Internal poll for Mitch McConnell campaign

Poll source				Mitch McConnell	conservative	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[33]	December 7–9, 2012	395	± 4.9%		50%	35%	15%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[34]	April 5–7, 2013	320	± 5.5%		46%	32%	22%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 12–15, 2013	540	± 4.2%	39%		42%	19%

Poll source				Mitch McConnell	Thomas Massie	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 7–9, 2012	395	± 4.9%		66%	18%	16%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	April 5–7, 2013	320	± 5.5%		56%	18%	27%

Results

Democratic primary

In late 2012 and early 2013, media speculation focused on the possibility of a challenge to incumbent Mitch McConnell from actress and Tennessee resident Ashley Judd,^[35] who was raised in Kentucky. Judd later announced that she would not seek the Democratic nomination. On April 9, Mother Jones magazine released a tape of a private meeting between McConnell and, allegedly, his aides reviewing opposition research and tactics to use against Judd. At the February strategy session, McConnell referred to the early stages of his re-election bid as the "Whac-A-Mole period of the campaign," and he and aides discussed attacking Judd's religious views as well as her struggle with depression.^{[36] [37]}

Alison Lundergan Grimes, the sitting secretary of state, entered the primary race with the encouragement of former president Bill Clinton, a friend of Grimes's father, former Kentucky politician Jerry Lundergan.^[38] On May 20, 2014, she won the Democratic primary with 77% of the vote.^{[39] [40]} Her father's involvement in the campaign was noted as a factor in the race because of his personal political history and fundraising connections.^{[41] [42]}

Candidates

Declared

• Burrel Farnsley, perennial candidate^{[9] [43]}
• Alison Lundergan Grimes, Secretary of State of Kentucky^[44]
• Greg Leichty, professor at the University of Louisville^{[45] [47]}

Declined

• Jerry Abramson, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky and former mayor of Louisville^[48]
• Matthew Barzun, United States ambassador to the United Kingdom and former United States ambassador to Sweden^[49]
• Steve Beshear, Governor of Kentucky^[50]
• John Young Brown III, former secretary of state of Kentucky and candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky in 2007^[51]
• Ben Chandler, former U.S. representative^{[51] [52] [53]}
• Jack Conway, Attorney General of Kentucky and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2010^[54]
• Adam Edelen, State Auditor of Kentucky^[55]
• Greg Fischer, Mayor of Louisville^[56]
• Tom FitzGerald, executive director of the Kentucky Resources Council^[57]
• Heather French Henry, former Miss America^[58]
• Bill Garmer, attorney, former chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party^[59]
• Gill Holland, film producer and environmental activist^[51]
• Ashley Judd, actress and political activist^[60]
• Crit Luallen, former state auditor^[61]
• Daniel Mongiardo, former lieutenant governor of Kentucky and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2004^[62]
• Dennis Parrett, state senator^[63]
• Greg Stumbo, Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives and former attorney general of Kentucky^[64]
• John Yarmuth, U.S. representative^[65]

Results

Libertarian primary

Candidates

Declared

• David Patterson, police officer^[66]

Results

Patterson won the Libertarian primary on March 1, 2014. While he ran unopposed, all Libertarian Party candidates must defeat "none of the above" (NOTA) in the primary operated by the Libertarian Party of Kentucky.^[67] He became an official ballot-listed candidate on August 11 after submitting over 9,100 signatures.^[68]

Independents

Candidates

Declared

• Mike Maggard (write-in)^[69]
• Robert Ransdell (write-in), white supremacist and Neo-Nazi campaigner^{[70] [71]}
• Shawna Sterling (write-in), unsuccessful Republican candidate for the seat^[72]

Withdrew

• Ed Marksberry, contractor and Democratic nominee for Kentucky's 2nd congressional district in 2010^{[47] [73]}

General election

Debates

• Complete video of debate, October 13, 2014

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report^[74]		November 3, 2014
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball^[75]		November 3, 2014
align=left	Rothenberg Political Report^[76]		November 3, 2014
align=left	Real Clear Politics^[77]		November 3, 2014

Polling

Poll source				Mitch McConnell (R)	Alison Lundergan Grimes (D)	David Patterson (L)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 7–9, 2012	1,266	± 2.8%		47%	40%	—	—	13%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	April 5–7, 2013	1,052	± 3%		45%	41%	—	—	14%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[78]	May 23–24, 2013	556	± 4.2%	45%	45%	—	—	10%
align=left	Wenzel Strategies^[79]	June 1–2, 2013	623	± 3.9%		47%	40%	—	—	14%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[80]	July 19–21, 2013	1,210	± 2.8%	44%		45%	—	—	11%
align=left	Wenzel Strategies	July 23–24, 2013	624	± 3.9%		48%	40%	—	—	12%
align=left	Lake Research Partners^[81]	August 5–15, 2013	5,000	± 1.4%	40%		46%	—	—	14%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[82]	October 14–15, 2013	1,193	± 2.8%	43%		45%	—	—	12%
align=left	Lake Research Partners	October 24–29, 2013	603	± 4%	37%	37%	—	6%	19%
align=left	DFM Research^[83]	October 21–29, 2013	600	± 4%		41%	40%	—	—	19%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 12–15, 2013	1,509	± 2.5%		43%	42%	—	—	15%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[84]	January 2, 2014	1,153	± 4%		42%	37%	—	8%	13%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[85]	January 24–26, 2014	882	± ?%		45%	44%	—	—	11%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports^[86]	January 29–30, 2014	500	± 4.5%	42%	42%	—	6%	10%
align=left	Bluegrass Poll^[87]	January 30 – February 4, 2014	1,082	± 3%	42%		46%	—	—	12%
align=left	Wenzel Strategies	February 8–11, 2014	1,002	± 3.06%		43%	42%	—	—	15%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[88]	April 1–2, 2014	663	± 4%	44%		45%	—	—	11%
align=left	New York Times/Kaiser Family^[89]	April 8–15, 2014	891	± ?		44%	43%	—	3%	11%
align=left	Gravis Marketing	April 15–17, 2014	1,359	± 3%		43%	36%	—	9%	12%
align=left	Hickman Analytics^[90]	April 24–30, 2014	500	± 4.4%		46%	45%	—	—	9%
align=left	NBC News/Marist	April 30 – May 6, 2014	2,353	± 2%		46%	45%	—	1%	8%
align=left	Bluegrass Poll	May 14–16, 2014	1,782	± 2.1%	42%		43%	4%	4%^[91]	7%
align=left	Wenzel Strategies^[92]	May 23–24, 2014	608	± 3.95%		47%	44%	—	—	8%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports^[93]	May 28–29, 2014	750	± 4%		48%	41%	—	5%	7%
align=left	Magellan Strategies^[94]	June 4–5, 2014	808	± 3.45%	46%		49%	—	—	5%
align=left	Public Policy Polling^[95]	June 20–22, 2014	682	± 3.8%	46%		48%	—	—	6%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[96]	July 17–20, 2014	1,054	± 3%	45%	45%	—	—	10%
align=left rowspan=2	SurveyUSA^[97]	July 18–23, 2014	604	± 4.1%		41%	39%	7%	—	13%
	47%				45%	—	—	8%
align=left	CBS News/NYT/YouGov^[98]	July 5–24, 2014	1,546	± 4.2%		49%	45%	—	2%	4%
align=left rowspan=2	Wenzel Strategies^[99]	August 6, 2014	?	± ?		47%	44%	4%	—	5%
	48%				44%	—	—	8%
align=left rowspan=2	Public Policy Polling^[100]	August 7–10, 2014	991	± 3.1%		44%	40%	7%	—	9%
	47%				42%	—	—	11%
align=left	Bluegrass Poll^[101]	August 25–27, 2014	569	± 4.2%		46%	42%	5%	—	8%
align=left	CNN/ORC^[102]	August 28 – September 1, 2014	671	± 4%		50%	46%	—	1%	3%
align=left	CBS News/NYT/YouGov^[103]	August 18 – September 2, 2014	2,130	± 3%		47%	42%	—	2%	9%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	September 1–2, 2014	750	± 4%		46%	41%	—	7%	6%
align=left	Public Opinion Strategies^[104]	September 1–3, 2014	600 LV	± 4%		47%	42%	4%	—	7%
align=left rowspan=2	NBC News/Marist^[105]	September 2–4, 2014	691 LV	± 3.7%		47%	39%	8%	<1%	6%
1,184 RV	± 2.8%			45%	38%	9%	<1%	8%
align=left	Magellan Strategies^[106]	September 4–7, 2014	742 LV	± 3.6%		50%	42%	6%	—	2%
align=left	Mellman Group ^[107]	September 4–7, 2014	800 LV	± 3.5%	42%		43%	—	—	15%
align=left rowspan=2	Ipsos^[108]	September 8–12, 2014	944 LV	± 3.6%		46%	42%	—	5%	6%
1,755 RV	± 2.7%		36%		38%	—	9%	17%
align=left	ccAdvertising^[109]	September 9–16, 2014	2,282	± ?		42%	33%	—	—	25%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[110]	September 13–16, 2014	839	± 3%		51%	41%	—	—	8%
align=left	Mellman Group ^[111]	September 19–27, 2014	1,800	± 2.3%	40%		42%	3%	—	16%
align=left	CBS News/NYT/YouGov^[112]	September 20 – October 1, 2014	1,689	± 3%		47%	41%	2%	1%	9%
align=left	Bluegrass Poll^[113]	September 29 – October 2, 2014	632	± 4%	44%		46%	3%	—	7%
align=left	Fox News^[114]	October 4–7, 2014	706	3.5%		45%	41%	3%	3%	8%
align=left	Gravis Marketing^[115]	October 11–12, 2014	1,020	± 3%		50%	47%	—	—	3%
align=left	Rasmussen Reports	October 15–16, 2014	1,000	± 3%		52%	44%	2%	—	2%
align=left rowspan=2	WKU/Big Red Poll^[116]	October 6–19, 2014	? LV	± ?%		45%	42%	5%	—	8%
601 RV	± 4%			45%	40%	5%	—	9%
align=left	SurveyUSA/Bluegrass Poll^[117]	October 15–19, 2014	655	± 3.9%		44%	43%	5%	—	8%
align=left	Voter Consumer Research^^[118]	October 16–19, 2014	815	± 3.5%		49%	41%	3%	—	7%
align=left	CBS News/NYT/YouGov	October 16–23, 2014	1,502	± 4%		45%	39%	2%	0%	14%
align=left	Public Opinion Strategies^[119]	October 25–27, 2014	600	± 4%		50%	43%	4%	0%	3%
align=left	SurveyUSA/Bluegrass Poll^[120]	October 26–30, 2014	597	± 4.1%		48%	43%	3%	—	6%
align=left rowspan=2	Public Policy Polling^[121]	October 26–30, 2014	556 LV	± 4.2%		50%	41%	5%	<1%	3%
894 RV	± 3.3%			49%	39%	6%	<1%	6%
align=left rowspan=2	NBC News/Marist^[122]	October 26–30, 2014	556	± 4.2%		50%	41%	5%	<1%	3%
894	± 3.3%			49%	39%	6%	<1%	6%
align=left rowspan=2	Public Policy Polling	October 30 – November 1, 2014	1,503	± 2.5%		50%	42%	3%	—	5%
	53%				44%	—	—	4%

Poll source				Matt Bevin (R)	Grimes (D)	David Patterson (L)	Other	Undecided
align=left	Wenzel Strategies	July 23–24, 2013	624	± 3.9%		35%	30%	—	—		36%
align=left	Lake Research Partners	October 24–29, 2013	603	± 4%	20%		38%	—	—		42%
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 12–15, 2013	1,509	± 2.5%		39%	38%	—	—	24%
align=left	Bluegrass Poll^[123]	January 30 – February 4, 2014	1,082	± 3%	38%		43%	—	—	19%
align=left	Wenzel Strategies	February 8–11, 2014	1,002	± 3.06%	36%		39%	—	—	25%
align=left	New York Times/Kaiser Family	April 8–15, 2014	891	± ?	35%		41%	—	4%	19%
align=left	Gravis Marketing	April 15–17, 2014	1,359	± 3%	32%		37%	—	7%	25%
align=left	NBC News/Marist	April 30 – May 6, 2014	2,353	± 2%	37%		46%	—	1%	15%
align=left	Bluegrass Poll	May 14–16, 2014	1,782	± 2.1%	38%		41%	5%	4%	12%

Poll source				Mitch McConnell (R)	Ashley Judd (D)	Undecided
align=left	Public Policy Polling	December 7–9, 2012	1,266	± 2.8%		47%	43%	10%
align=left	Harper Polling^[124]	February 11–12, 2013	850	±3.36%		49%	40%	11%

• ^ Internal poll for McConnell campaign
• * Internal Poll for Grimes campaign

Results

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Bourbon (largest city: Paris)
• Carroll (largest city: Carrollton)
• Breathitt (largest city: Jackson)
• Carter (largest city: Grayson)
• Hancock (largest city: Hawesville)
• Magoffin (largest city: Salyersville)
• Powell (largest city: Stanton)
• Trimble (largest city: Bedford)
• Webster (largest city: Providence)
• McLean (largest city: Livermore)
• Morgan (largest city: West Liberty)
• Harrison (largest city: Cynthiana)
• Knott (largest municipality: Hindman)
• Pike (largest municipality: Pikeville)
• Henderson (largest city: Henderson)
• Letcher (largest city: Jenkins)
• Muhlenberg (largest city: Central City)
• Floyd (largest municipality: Prestonburg)
• Greenup (largest city: Flatwoods)
• Fulton (largest city: Fulton)
• Fleming (largest city: Flemingsburg)
• Lincoln (largest city: Stanford)

By congressional district

McConnell won 5 of 6 congressional districts.^[125]

District	McConnell	Grimes	Representative
		61.73%	35.14%		Ed Whitfield
		58.83%	37.83%		Brett Guthrie
		41.11%	56.94%		John Yarmuth
		61.08%	35.6%		Thomas Massie
		65.24%	31.42%		Hal Rogers
		50.55%	46.0%		Andy Barr

See also

• 2014 United States Senate elections
• 2014 United States elections

External links

• U.S. Senate elections in Kentucky, 2014 at Ballotpedia
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org

Notes and References

1. Web site: Mitch McConnell plans power plays against Democrats . December 20, 2010 . May 19, 2011 . . Manu . Raju.
2. News: Preston . Mark . CNN Poll: McConnell holds slim edge in biggest Senate race of 2014 . September 4, 2014 . CNN . September 3, 2014.
3. News: Senate Ratings . September 4, 2014 . Rothenberg Political Report . September 4, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140904163827/http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.com/ratings/senate . September 4, 2014 . mdy-all .
4. News: Mitch McConnell Wins Re-Election, A.P. Says, as Republicans Make Election Day Push . November 4, 2014 . The New York Times . November 4, 2014.
5. News: Wheaton . Sarah . F.B.I. Looking Into Allegations That McConnell's Campaign Was Wiretapped . New York Times . April 9, 2013 . May 10, 2013.
6. News: 2014 Kentucky Senate Primaries Results . September 4, 2014 . Politico . August 28, 2014.
7. Web site: McConnell Records Weakest Kentucky US Senate Incumbent Primary Victory in 75+ Years . Smart Politics . Eric . Ostermeier . May 20, 2014 . July 12, 2015 . July 6, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150706172121/http://editions.lib.umn.edu/smartpolitics/2014/05/20/mcconnell-records-weakest-kent/ . dead .
8. Web site: Lou. businessman, Matt Bevin, to enter Ky. US Senate race . Whas11.com . July 19, 2013 . July 22, 2013.
9. Web site: Candidate filings: Republicans look to take over Kentucky House . . Gerth . Joseph . January 28, 2014 . January 29, 2014.
10. Web site: How To Make A Mockery Of The Senate Race . Louisville Telegraph . January 28, 2014 . January 28, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140201214203/http://www.louisvilletelegraph.com/2014/01/28/how-to-make-a-mockery-of-the-senate-race/ . February 1, 2014 . dead .
11. Web site: U.S. Senator: Shawna Sterling . https://archive.today/20141009202226/http://www.centralkynews.com/jessaminejournal/news/election_2014/u-s-senator-shawna-sterling/article_6f988dca-ba78-11e3-b1d9-0017a43b2370.html . dead . October 9, 2014 . The Jessamine Journal . April 2, 2014 . October 9, 2014 .
12. Web site: Interview with U.S. Senate Candidate Shawna Sterling . WBKO . April 22, 2014 . October 9, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141014190527/http://www.wbko.com/home/headlines/Interview-with-US-Senate-Candidate-Shawna-Sterling-256255021.html . October 14, 2014 . dead .
13. Web site: This Kentucky GOP Senate Candidate's Bizarre Website Is Perfect . Mediaite . April 23, 2014 . October 9, 2014.
14. Web site: On his 90th birthday Gurley L. Martin files challenge to McConnell . Mycn2.com . Weber . Don . November 27, 2013 . January 27, 2014.
15. Web site: McConnell has one fewer Republican to run against in the May 20 primary: Gurley Martin is out . Mycn2.com . Alessi . Ryan . January 21, 2013 . January 27, 2014.
16. Web site: Alessi . Ryan . cn|2 Pure Politics - Andy Barr opens re-election bid by raising $361K in first quarter . Mycn2.com . April 15, 2013 . July 18, 2013.
17. Web site: Alessi . Ryan . cn|2 Pure Politics - Barr maintains pace with another $360K; Has nearly $580K as 6th District begins heating up . Mycn2.com . July 12, 2013 . July 18, 2013.
18. Web site: Storm . Nick . cn|2 Pure Politics - Fmr. Gov. Fletcher doesn't foresee strong opposition to McConnell; Says Beshear doing a 'good job' . Mycn2.com . November 12, 2012 . June 14, 2013.
19. Web site: Democrats, tea party unite vs. Mitch McConnell . January 28, 2013 . January 28, 2013 . . Manu . Raju.
20. Web site: Nocera . Kate . Kentucky lawmaker earns name for himself by voting 'no' . Politico . January 16, 2013 . April 9, 2013.
21. http://images.politico.com/global/2013/07/25/kentucky_senate_poll_2_-_topline_report_-_7-24-2013.pdf Wenzel Strategies
22. http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/polls/vcr-r-mcconnell-17843 Voter/Consumer Research ^
23. https://www.scribd.com/doc/183332001/New-Poll-Reveals-McConnell-Vulnerabilities?secret_password=1jhymfgobsfsd8do93tf Lake Research Partners
24. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2013/PPP_Release_KY_1217.pdf Public Policy Polling
25. http://www.humanevents.com/2014/01/14/kentucky-mcconnell-leads-bevin-53-to-31/ Gravis Marketing
26. http://images.bimedia.net/documents/SUSAPOLL+Senate+Race.pdf Bluegrass Poll
27. https://web.archive.org/web/20140225013524/http://www.wenzelstrategies.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Final-KY-Poll-US-Senate-2-13-2014.pdf Wenzel Strategies
28. http://images.politico.com/global/2014/03/09/ky_us_sen_gop_primary_poll_memo_-_kfsl.html Public Opinion Strategies
29. http://gravismarketing.com/polling-and-market-research/latest-telephone-survey-show-mcconnell-ahead-in-kentucky/ Gravis Marketing
30. https://web.archive.org/web/20140512154315/http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/A_Politics/NBC%20News-Marist%20Poll_Kentucky_Annotated%20Questionnaire_May%202014.pdf NBC News/Marist
31. http://gravismarketing.com/polling-and-market-research/final-kentucky-republican-primary-poll-mcconnell-14-over-bevin Gravis Marketing
32. http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/kentucky/2014/05/16/bluegrass-poll-mcconnell-pounding-bevin-tied-grimes/2210602/ Bluegrass Poll
33. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_KY_121112.pdf Public Policy Polling
34. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_KY_040913.pdf Public Policy Polling
35. News: Roller . Emma . Celebrities And The Senate: Would Ashley Judd Stand A Chance? . NPR . December 5, 2012.
36. News: Corn . David . Secret Tape: McConnell and Aides Weighed Using Judd's Mental Health and Religion as Political Ammo . Mother Jones . April 9, 2013.
37. News: Madison . Lucy . McConnell aides secretly taped ripping Ashley Judd . CBS News . April 9, 2013.
38. News: Lee . Kristen . Move over Ashley Judd: Bill Clinton reportedly courting another Democrat for Kentucky Senate race . September 4, 2014 . New York Daily News . March 20, 2013.
39. News: Kentucky - Summary Vote Results . September 4, 2014 . Associated Press . May 21, 2014.
40. News: Kentucky Primary Results: Mitch McConnell, Alison Lundergan Grimes Win Nominations . September 4, 2014 . Huffington Post . May 20, 2014.
41. News: Newton-Small . Jay . Father of McConnell Foe is Both Asset and Risk in Kentucky . September 4, 2014 . Time . February 14, 2014.
42. News: Gerth . Joseph . Ky. Senate candidate's dad brings connections, baggage . September 4, 2014 . USA Today . September 22, 2013.
43. Web site: Another Democrat files to enter U.S. Senate race . Bluegrass Politics . Brammer . Jack . January 13, 2014 . January 28, 2014.
44. Web site: Grimes To Run Against McConnell In 2014 Senate Race . July 1, 2013 . July 1, 2013 . LEX18.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130704054931/http://www.lex18.com/news/grimes-to-run-against-mcconnell-in-2014-senate-race . July 4, 2013 . mdy-all .
45. Web site: Former Democratic congressional candidate Marksberry to challenge McConnell in 2014 . Storm . Nick . December 12, 2012 . Pure Politics with Ryan Alessi . cn. January 2, 2013.
46. Web site: U of L professor announces bid for U.S. Senate . Isham . Simon . June 19, 2013 . The Louisville Cardinal | access-date = June 19, 2013}}
    • Tom Recktenwald, former Catholic school teacher

    Withdrew

    • Ed Marksberry, contractor and nominee for Kentucky's 2nd congressional district in 2010 (ran as an independent before dropping out entirely)^[45]
    .
47. Web site: Ed Marksberry to drop out of Democratic U.S. Senate primary to run as independent . Alessi . Ryan . September 23, 2013 . Pure Politics with Ryan Alessi . cn|2 . September 23, 2013.
48. Web site: Arnold . Joe . One-on-one with Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson, NO on Senate, Maybe on Governor's race . WHAS11.com . November 27, 2012 . April 9, 2013.
49. Web site: Bailey . Philip M. . Louisville Businessman Matthew Barzun Selected as U.S. Ambassador to Britain . WFPL News . July 9, 2013 . July 31, 2013.
50. Web site: Steve Beshear says this campaign is his last and will serve full term if re-elected . October 28, 2011 . October 22, 2012 . Pure Politics . cn|2 . Ryan . Alessi.
51. Web site: The Kentucky Democrat: The 2014 U.S. Senate Race for Kentucky . Kydem.blogspot.com . November 8, 2012 . July 9, 2013.
52. News: Loftus . Tom . Alison Lundergan Grimes, Ben Chandler called possible candidates to face Sen. Mitch McConnell . The Courier-Journal . March 29, 2013 . April 9, 2013.
53. News: Blake . Aaron . Top Kentucky Dem predicts Ashley Judd will run for Senate . The Washington Post . February 25, 2013 . April 9, 2013.
54. Web site: The Chatter: Jack Conway says no to 2014 Senate run; state Senate candidate McDaniel raises $25K . December 19, 2011 . October 22, 2012 . Pure Politics . cn|2 . Ryan . Alessi.
55. News: Mitch McConnell Prepared for 2014 Campaign . April 27, 2012 . . April 28, 2012.
56. Web site: Mayor Greg Fischer 'Leaning Toward' Running for Second Term. Bullard . Gabe . January 4, 2013 . WFPL News . Louisville Public Media . February 16, 2013.
57. Web site: Attorney FitGerald out of US Senate contest . July 4, 2013 . July 4, 2013 . North Jersey.
58. Web site: heather Henry . Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000: A Word About the US Senate Race . Heatherfrenchhenry.blogspot.com . July 1, 2013 . July 9, 2013.
59. Web site: Grimes will challenge McConnell for U.S. Senate seat in 2014 . July 1, 2013 . July 2, 2013 . Kentucky.com . Jack . Brammer.
60. News: Cillizza . Chris . Ashley Judd is not running for Senate . Washington Post . March 27, 2013 . April 9, 2013.
61. Web site: After outlining goals to improve Kentucky, Luallen says she's still mulling run for governor . July 20, 2012 . October 22, 2012 . Pure Politics . cn|2 . Nick . Storm.
62. Web site: Mongiardo considers running for governor . Brammer . Jack . November 30, 2012 . Politics and Government . Kentucky.com . January 2, 2013.
63. Web site: Guthrie, Parrett not interested in challenging McConnell in 2014 . Finley . Marty . January 13, 2013 . The News-Enterprise . January 14, 2013 . October 31, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141031191855/http://www.thenewsenterprise.com/content/guthrie-parrett-not-interested-challenging-mcconnell-2014 . dead .
64. Web site: Kentucky Legislative Leader Squashes Rumors of Judd Senate Bid . Colston . Kenny . November 19, 2012 . WKU Public Radio . WKU Public Radio (part of the NPR Digital Network) . January 2, 2013.
65. Web site: Rep. Yarmuth won't run against Sen. McConnell . Joseph . Cameron . November 30, 2012 . The Hill . Capitol Hill Publishing Corp., a subsidiary of News Communications, Inc. . January 2, 2013.
66. Web site: Libertarian candidate enters Senate race in Kentucky . August 26, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131019140708/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/Libertarian-candidate-enters-Senate-race-in-Kentucky-221155381.html . October 19, 2013 . dead .
67. Web site: The Constitution of the Libertarian Party of Kentucky . September 13, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140913202621/http://www.lpky.org/state_newconst . September 13, 2014 . dead .
68. Web site: Libertarian David Patterson Files 9,100 Signatures To Get Onto Kentucky Ballot For Senate . August 12, 2014 . September 13, 2014.
69. Web site: Information for Mike Maggard, Candidate for United States Senator . Kentucky Secretary of State . October 9, 2014.
70. Web site: Neo-Nazi candidate for Senate stirs controversy . The Courier-Journal . September 25, 2014 . October 9, 2014.
71. Web site: Longtime Neo-Nazi Robert Ransdell Running For U.S. Senate . Southern Poverty Law Center . September 18, 2014 . October 9, 2014.
72. Web site: Information for Shawna Sterling, Candidate for United States Senator . Kentucky Secretary of State . October 9, 2014 . October 14, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141014214204/http://apps.sos.ky.gov/elections/candidatefilings/statewide/default.aspx?cand=5761 . dead .
73. Web site: Independent Ed Marksberry stops gathering signatures for U.S. Senate run . . Youngman . Sam . July 16, 2014 . July 16, 2014.
74. Web site: 2014 Senate Race Ratings for November 3, 2014 . The Cook Political Report . September 20, 2018.
75. Web site: The Crystal Ball's Final 2014 Picks . Sabato's Crystal Ball . November 3, 2014 . September 20, 2018.
76. Web site: 2014 Senate Ratings . Senate Ratings . The Rothenberg Political Report . September 20, 2018.
77. Web site: 2014 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2014 . Real Clear Politics . September 20, 2018.
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80. https://archive.today/20130801124333/http://blogs.courier-journal.com/politics/2013/08/01/alison-lundergan-grimes-holds-slim-lead-over-mitch-mcconnell-according-to-democratic-pollster/ Public Policy Polling
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87. http://images.bimedia.net/documents/SUSAPOLL+Senate+Race.pdf Bluegrass Poll
88. https://www.scribd.com/doc/216793719/Kentucky-Medicaid-Polling-Results Public Policy Polling
89. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/23/upshot/24upshot-south-poll.html New York Times/Kaiser Family
90. https://web.archive.org/web/20140508025204/http://buildkxlnow.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/KY-topline-tables.pdf Hickman Analytics
91. Ed Marksberry (I)
92. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/docs/2014/Wenzel_KYSen_052814.html Wenzel Strategies
93. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2014/kentucky/election_2014_kentucky_senate Rasmussen Reports
94. https://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/51102/images/KYMagellanToplines.pdf Magellan Strategies
95. https://web.archive.org/web/20140711132411/http://atfactionfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Kentucky-Poll-Toplines-6-23-14.pdf Public Policy Polling
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97. http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2014/07/28/17/13/11GaWf.So.79.pdf SurveyUSA
98. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/2014-midterms-republicans-narrowly-favored-to-capture-senate-in-november/ CBS News/NYT/YouGov
99. https://web.archive.org/web/20140903021541/http://www.wenzelstrategies.com/blog/polls/ws-poll-mcconnell-continues-lead-over-grimes-in-kentucky/ Wenzel Strategies
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101. http://media.graytvinc.com/documents/Sept.poll_day1Results.pdf Bluegrass Poll
102. http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2014/images/09/03/cnn.orc.kentucky.poll.pdf CNN/ORC
103. https://today.yougov.com/news/2014/09/07/battleground-tracker-2014-kentucky/ CBS News/NYT/YouGov
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105. http://newscms.nbcnews.com/sites/newscms/files/maristkentuckysept2014.pdf NBC News/Marist
106. http://www.slideshare.net/MagellanStrat/national-mining-association-kentucky-epa-regulation-survey-summary-091014 Magellan Strategies
107. http://images.politico.com/global/2014/09/09/14mem908_ky_-_d11.html Mellman Group*
108. https://web.archive.org/web/20140925160138/http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=13904 Ipsos
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113. http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/kentucky/2014/10/06/mcconnell-grimes-bluegrass-poll-due-tonight/16798721/ Bluegrass Poll
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115. http://gravismarketing.com/polling-and-market-research/october-kentucky-polling-of-likely-voters/ Gravis Marketing
116. http://wkussrc.blogspot.com/2014/10/2014-big-red-poll.html WKU/Big Red Poll
117. http://www.kentucky.com/2014/10/20/3491602_bluegrass-poll-mcconnell-takes.html?rh=1 SurveyUSA/Bluegrass Poll
118. https://www.scribd.com/doc/244022676/MM-Jan-Poll-Memo Voter Consumer Research^
119. http://images.politico.com/global/2014/10/30/ky_poll_memo_oct_30.html Public Opinion Strategies
120. http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/kentucky/2014/10/30/bluegrass-poll-mitch-mcconnell-alison-lundergan-grimes/18144803/ SurveyUSA/Bluegrass Poll
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122. http://newscms.nbcnews.com/sites/newscms/files/kentucky_october_31_2014_annotated_questionnaire_nbc_news-marist_poll.pdf NBC News/Marist
123. http://images.bimedia.net/documents/SUSAPOLL+Senate+Race.pdf Bluegrass Poll
124. https://web.archive.org/web/20130218044451/http://www.runswitchpr.com/2013/02/13/runswitch-harper-polling-survey-shows-mcconnell-up-9-over-judd/ Harper Polling
125. Web site: Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts. Daily Kos. 11 August 2020.