The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) is the latest to pile on Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is facing a contentious re-election, with a new ad launching Thursday hitting the Kentucky Republican over Social Security benefits.
In the ad, auto worker Kirk Gillenwaters talks about the financial challenges he's faced, and why he's relying on the entitlement program as part of his retirement planning.
"I started working at the Ford plant in Louisville when I was 18 years old. After decades of hard work, I have some injuries," says Gillenwaters. "We work hard for these companies, and we’re promised a secure retirement in return."
"Retirement is supposed to be promises made, promises kept. But our pensions are being cut and we need Social Security," he continues. "When Senator Mitch McConnell supports cutting Social Security, he’s breaking a promise--and he's hurting our families. Senator McConnell: If anything, we need to expand Social Security benefits, not cut them."
PCCC's initial buy isn't huge--just $21,000 starting Thursday through next week on Louisville broadcast. But the group says it's part of the $100,000 they've already spent to target the Senate GOP leader.
McConnell is trying to stave off primary challenge from Republican Matt Bevin, and would face Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes in the 2014 general election if he advances. The race is a top offensive target for Democrats in a cycle where they're largely playing defense to stop Republicans from getting the six seats they need to flip control of the Senate. The Bluegrass State contest is expected to be the most expensive of the cycle.
Watch the full ad below.