IT REQUIRES NERVES OF STEEL TO TAKE ON MITCH McConnell, arguably the most powerful man in Washington. But Amy McGrath has already been to war and back, three times. The 44-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel, an Independent-turned-Democrat, is challenging the self-declared Grim Reaper for the Senate seat he’s clung onto since 1985.
McGrath has had tougher, though. During her 20-year career with the Marines, she became the first woman to fly in a F/A-18 fighter jet in combat and took on 89 missions in the Middle East, fighting Al-Qaeda and Taliban insurgents. When she retired into civilian life in 2017, she was dismayed by what she saw as a lack of action in Congress so she ran for office in a district that voted for Trump by 15.3 points. She lost by only three points—a small enough margin to encourage her to give it another go.
There seems to be hope. Within 24 hours of announcing her latest run, McGrath raised $2.5 million, the most ever earned in the first day of a Senate campaign. McGrath intends to run a campaign based on road maps devised by two successful red-state fighters: former El Paso Congressman Beto O’Rourke and Alabama Senator Doug Jones. The O’Rourke model: visit every county and talk to as many voters as you can. Jones’ strategy? Stick to kitchen-table issues and stress your willingness to work with Republicans. She’s already found a niche with Kentucky’s coal miners, who she says feel abandoned by McConnell. They feature in a video by her campaign that has been viewed nearly 3 million times. But her campaign hasn’t been without controversy; two miners featured in the ad said they did not know their images were being used for political purposes and asked not to be included. The miners claim they were told filming was for a documentary, but the McGrath campaign contends they were told what the footage would be used for.
This story is from the September 27, 2019 edition of Newsweek.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 27, 2019 edition of Newsweek.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
An Ecstatic Anniversary
Sarah McLachlan is touring this summer, 30 years after the release of ‘Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,' the album that made her a star
'WE ARE FACING THE MOST COMPLEX SECURITY ENVIRONMENT SINCE - WORLD WAR II'
Japan's prime minister on security, diplomacy and protecting the rule of law at home, in Asia and around the world
JAPAN'S CALL TO ARMS
As the 'peace-loving nation' doubles its defense spending, Prime Minister FUMIO KISHIDA explains why it needs to take an assertive stance to counter China and North Korea
Red Cows, Gaza and the End of the World
As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, the Third Temple movement is ramping up its bid to reclaim a contested holy site in Jerusalem currently home to ancient Islamic shrines
The States Keeping Their Children Hungry
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer could help feed millions of children in households experiencing food insecurity, yet 13 states have declined to participate in the program
The Secret to Being an ADHD Whisperer
Loosening up and ceding control are some of the most important strategies for making life easier for a neurodiverse loved one
Fertility Clinics 2024
FOR THOSE LOOKING TO EXPAN D THEIR FAMILIES, FERTILITY CLINICS CAN BE A VITAL OPTION
'I AM ALWAYS IN THE MOMENT'
India's prime minister on his goals, his critics and his 'god-gifted' ability to listen
MODI'S MOMENT
INDIA'S LEADER is SHAPING the COUNTRY in his OWN ASSERTIVE IMAGE
Resurgence of Global Mayhem
While the world watches Gaza, ISIS is gaining strength and momentum, building networks and preparing for strikes worldwide