Some of Kentucky’s evangelical leaders are calling on U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and his Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes to take part in three forums ahead of the November election.
The forums would include topics like marriage, sanctity of life, and religious liberty. Paul Chitwood, executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, says religious leaders would like the race to focus more on social issues.
"The race has been focused so far on the economy and jobs, so we're hoping to broaden the discussion beyond what's currently coming out of the campaigns," Chitwood told WKU Public Radio. "When you talk about people of faith who claim a religious affiliation with a church, that's over half of the citizens of the commonwealth, so I think the candidates have the opportunity to really get their message out if they accept the invitation."
The forums would all be held this month in Bowling Green, Louisville, and Somerset. Chitwood says Senator McConnell has accepted the invitation and Grimes’ campaign is reviewing the proposal.