The race was initially seen as a possible pickup opportunity for Democrats, largely due to McConnell's unpopularity among Kentucky voters.

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.

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.

[72][73] Elected officials Newspapers Public figures Organizations Patterson won the Libertarian primary on March 1, 2014.