McGrath requests COVID tests ahead of debate with McConnell

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

Source: WKYT

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Days before what could be her only face-to-face showdown with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic challenger Amy McGrath said Friday that anyone attending their debate should be tested for COVID-19.

McGrath made the request in a letter to WKYT, the Lexington TV station where she and the Republican senator are scheduled to debate Monday evening. McGrath said the test results should be provided to the station ahead of time to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

“Sen. McConnell has a duty to Kentuckians to keep them safe and set an example on following CDC guidelines,” she said in a statement.

When asked recently whether he’s undergone COVID tests, McConnell has consistently said he’s following CDC guidelines. His campaign responded to McGrath’s request by pointing to a recent statement from the senator: “I’m unaware where Amy McGrath went to medical school, but I take my health care advice from my doctor, not my political opponent.”

Read more: https://www.wkyt.com/2020/10/10/mcgrath-requests-covid-tests-ahead-of-debate-with-mcconnell/

[Siwsan]

1. If McConnell is to be believed, he's being very responsible. HOWEVER, needs to set an example.

Let him do at least ONE responsible, selfless thing.

[Iliyah]

3. That would show up graham . . .

and create a responsible and somewhat a caring attitude for Kentucky, and I'm pretty sure mcturtle ain't having that.

[Siwsan]

4. He showed up trump*.

Someone mentioned that him having polio, as a child, gives him a realistic perspective on what a pandemic can do.

[CTyankee]

17. fat chance...

[bluestarone]

2. Make them ALL take tests

DO NOT trust any of these ASSHOLES.

[iluvtennis]

16. + agree, especailly if it will be debate where voters are in attendance. Two debaters, moderators,

other debate support staff all need to be tested. Annd all audience members need to wear masks.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. McGrath is wise, infecting Democrats is the GOP's main strategy at this point /nt

[Bayard]

6. I wish she'd demand, rather than request

But this sounds like the least they can do:

"During the debate, only the moderator and candidates will be in the studio, which uses robotic cameras, Thomas said. They will be at least 20 feet from one another, he said. Also, plexiglass shields will be on the sides of the desks where the candidates are to be seated."

It doesn't say if it will be televised. Will try to find online.

Go Amy!

[appleannie1]

7. If a test is positive, he would have to quarantine, that would mean postponing SC vote.

[2naSalit]

8. Yup. That's why he and lindsey won't get tested.

[crickets]

9. Exactly. No Senator on the Judiciary Committee is likely to agree to a test right now.

Given what happened in the WH recently, they should realize just how badly this may come back to bite them.

[Wounded Bear]

10. Any FTF event should require testing prior to it...

but I love the strategy.

[dlk]

11. Mitch doesn't sound the least bit haughty...

[KS Toronado]

12. His campaign's response sounds more like an evasion than an honest answer.

And if he refuses an onsite test, they should punish him anyway they can.

[JudyM]

13. WKYT should insist on it.

Or make McConnell wear a mask during the debate.

[orleans]

14. the tv station should insist both

candidates and mod get tested.

that virus is airborne and they could be putting their crew in harm's way

[BobTheSubgenius]

15. Dismissive, patronizing old fossil that,

in the words of a CBC commentator about Jesse Helms, should be strapped to a gurney.