Despite the quick victory, it’s obviously too early to tell whether this is a good omen for Mitch McConnell’s chances of becoming Senate Majority Leader. Looking at the map, a few key things jump out. It looks like McConnell overperformed in coal country compared to his 2008 victory in the state, which is likely a consequence of the Obama administration’s so-called “war on coal.” And his Democratic challenger Allison Lundergan Grimes underperformed in key Democratic areas relative to 2008.
Interestingly enough, by the end of a bruising campaign, neither candidate was well liked by Kentucky voters. Both candidates had a 52 percent disapproval rating in exit polls.
