Politics

GOP Rep Andy Barr Holds Off Democratic Star Amy McGrath In Kentucky Bellwether Race

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Republican Rep. Andy Barr defeated Democratic candidate Amy McGrath in Tuesday’s midterm elections, keeping his seat in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District.

Barr narrowly edged out McGrath in a tossup race that was widely considered a national bellwether.

“Congratulations to Andy Barr on his reelection victory tonight,” National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maddie Anderson said in a statement. “He ran one of the smartest campaigns in the country by defining his opponent early, and it paid off. Kentuckians rejected Amy McGrath’s radical agenda in favor of a strong economy and lower taxes.”

Barr’s campaign received a late boost from President Donald Trump’s oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who campaigned for the Republican candidate in the closing days of the election.

McGrath became a national star for progressives after releasing a viral campaign ad that touted her experience as a former Marine fighter pilot.

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McGrath later sparked controversy in June after comparing Trump’s election to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The Democratic candidate enjoyed a considerable fundraising advantage over Barr during the campaign, which was the most expensive in the district’s history.

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