From the Kentucky Democratic Party: Bevin barely survives backlash in GOP primary

Frankfort, KY — On Tuesday, Governor Matt Bevin barely survived his primary election amid backlash from voters in his own Party. The controversial first-term Governor heads into November weakened and vulnerable to defeat. 

“Bevin's inability to connect with voters and his controversial first term as Governor has left the Republican Party in Kentucky scrambling. Now, they head into the General Election with a weak, flawed, and vulnerable candidate at the top of the ticket,” said Marisa McNee, spokesperson for the Kentucky Democratic Party.

The results of Tuesday night’s Republican primary are an ominous sign for November and heading into the 2020 election. On the eve of the Primary, President Trump recorded a robocall in support of Bevin and even sent out a supportive Tweet this morning in an attempt to save Bevin from defeat. 

Less than a month ago, Politico reported the Trump White House and some of Senate Majority Leader McConnell’s closest aides were concerned a Bevin loss in November would signal weakness in the President. They went all in to try to save Bevin from defeat and he barely survived the challenge within his own party.

On KET’s Kentucky Tonight former Communications Director for the Republican Party of Kentucky Tres Watson said, “If Governor Bevin ended up finishing in the mid to low 50’s, which I don’t think is going to happen, I think he is gonna be in the upper 60’s at least, I think the mid to low 50’s there might be some concern, but I just don’t see that happening.”

“This is an embarrassment for the Republican Party, Mitch McConnell, and President Trump. They’re losing credibility by the day, even with their own Party,” concluded McNee.