Andy Barr

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Andy Barr and Charles Booker will take part in their only debate Monday night ahead of Kentucky’s U.S. Senate race, with both candidates saying they have the right policies to move the state and country forward.

The race began two years ago when Mitch McConnell announced he would not seek re-election. Booker entered the race in December of last year and won the Democratic primary in May. Barr became one of several Republicans to join the race and won the May primary shortly after being endorsed by President Trump.

“Everyone is tired of the chaos and corruption in Washington. They are tired of the status quo when Trump said he was going to drain the swamp. We want the swamp to be drained,” Booker said.

“This is a job interview. So I know I have to earn it. If I am offered the job I cannot wait to advocate for the assets and capabilities of Kentucky,” Barr said.

President Trump’s name frequently comes up in conversations about the race. Booker claims Barr is distancing himself from Trump, but Barr says that is not the case. Barr says Trump’s policies are those Kentuckians support.

“He has been supporting an energy dominance strategy. He has supported a policy that prevented Iran from having a nuclear weapon,” Barr said.

“Donald Trump won this state with over 30 points. And Barr should be running away with this race,” Booker said.

People are concerned about high gasoline prices and inflation. Both candidates say they have solutions.

“We’ve got to bring grocery prices down. We’ve got to get money in the pockets of the people of Kentucky. That’s not radical. It’s common sense to me,” Booker said.

“The solution is the policies I am supporting. Energy dominance policies. We have not built a new oil refinery in America since 1977,” Barr said.

Voters will decide the race on November 3.

Barr and Booker will appear in their only debate at 7 p.m. Monday on WKYT.

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