Fmr. Gov. Fletcher doesn't foresee strong opposition to McConnell; Says Beshear doing a 'good job'

Former Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher told Pure Politics last week that he doesn’t believe Democrats will come up with a strong enough contender to threaten U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s bid for a sixth term in 2014.

“I can’t imagine Kentuckians want to change that seat from Mitch McConnell. The influence he has in Washington D.C. he’s served the people well,” Fletcher said while attending Tuesday’s congressional campaign victory party for his former staffer, Andy Barr. “I can’t see any real strong viable candidate stepping up.”

Democrats say they will mount a challenger to McConnell in 2014. McConnell got a $10 million head start in fundraising and has more than $6.8 million on hand.

Pure Politics published the pros and cons of likely candidates to challenge the U.S. Senate Minority Leader on Sunday.

Fletcher, who lost a 2007 re-election bid to current Gov. Steve Beshear, hasn’t made many public political appearances in recent years. He said, overall, he personally likes Beshear and believes he’s been working hard for Kentucky.

“We disagree on a few things particularly gambling and a few of the other things. I think some of the gains the Republicans have made send a message their too. We want to look toward real economic development – not some false way of a – false promise of providing jobs,” Fletcher said.

But, his message was sent with respect to the second term Governor and his wife.

“I wish Steve and Jane Beshear the very best and I think they’re working hard to do a good job,” Fletcher said.