That cozy little personal and professional relationship between husband and wife team Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao is still at work, even as Transportation Secretary Chao is under investigation by the House for doing things like she just did—awarding a big grant to Paducah, Kentucky.
McConnell announced the $10.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the city's riverfront development project on Wednesday, giving him the opportunity to change the subject from Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's loss. McConnell had joined Donald Trump in a big rally for Bevin the night before the election, so that loss is a bit embarrassing for him. What better way to distract local media from asking him about that than rolling out a big announcement of funds to the state. "As Senate Majority Leader, I'm constantly looking for new opportunities for this wonderful region," his announcement read, "and I was glad to help deliver this latest federal investment in Paducah's bright future."
As if it was some great effort on his part. As if Kentucky has to compete with bids to get Transportation funding. As if he and Chao haven't turned her job into a gravy train for Kentucky so he can keep his job.
The current House Oversight and Reform Committee investigation is into what it calls "troubling questions" about Chao's use of her position for personal and family benefits, specifically whether she's boosting her father's and sisters' shipping company through official Transportation Department meetings and appearances. They should probably also be looking into how many "competitive" grants are ending up in Kentucky, given how much time and attention she's given her home state and McConnell's buddies who've lobbied her.
The most galling thing about this, about everything McConnell has done since ascending to leadership of the Senate, is that he doesn't even bother to hide the corruption. And that he's got 52 Republican senators who won't challenge him on it.
We've got to end that. Please give $1 to our nominee fund to help Democrats and end McConnell's career as majority leader.