Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes has picked up an endorsement from organized labor on the same day the Kentucky senator she wants to unseat is pushing a national right-to-work proposal opposed by unions.
The proposal being co-sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell would prohibit requiring workers to pay union dues or fees. McConnell and fellow Kentuckian Rand Paul want to attach it to legislation that would bar workplace discrimination against gays.
Grimes said Tuesday the right-to-work amendment is wrong for Kentucky. She said organized labor has lifted millions of people out of poverty and gives workers a bargaining voice. Grimes received the Kentucky AFL-CIO's endorsement Tuesday.
McConnell said his proposal would allow workers to join a union if they want to but would protect them from being forced to join.