By Elizabeth Casey-Rutland

Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore

Name: Mitch McConnell

 State/District, Party: Kentucky, Republican

Leadership position: Senate Majority Leader

 Number of Years in That Position: Less than 1, he obtained this position in January 2015.

Number of Terms/Years in Congress: Currently in his 5^th term, he was first elected 31 years ago in 1984.

Percent/Amount of State Revenue from the Federal Government (2013): Kentucky received $8.3 billion in grants from the federal government, or 35.1% of its total revenue.

 Defense Contracts Awarded to State (2013): $5.8 billion

Memorable Budget Quote: On shutting down the federal government over budget negotiations:  “I think some of our members may have thought the default issue was a hostage you might take a chance at shooting. Most of us didn’t think that. What we did learn is this — it’s a hostage that’s worth ransoming. And it focuses the Congress on something that must be done.” (2011)

 Approval Rating: 29% favorable, 46% unfavorable, April 2015

 Total Amount Spent During Latest Election: $30.4 million

Top Donor/Top Industry: Blackstone Group, Securities & Investment

Candidate’s Self-Financing: $1.8 million