Sen. Paul awaits winner in Kentucky’s Democratic primary

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, the Democrat anointed to try to break his party’s U.S. Senate losing streak, set his sights on Sen. Rand Paul from the start. He portrayed the Republican as more preoccupied with winning the White House than doing his job.

But first Gray has to defeat six primary opponents in Tuesday’s election.

They include Sellus Wilder, a filmmaker inspired by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Ron Leach, who served multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Paul faces two primary challengers.

Gray touts his mayoral experience and business pedigree.

Paul campaign spokeswoman Kelsey Cooper said the senator maintained a 96 percent attendance record for Senate votes. She cites his efforts to curtail the federal government’s surveillance powers and protect gun-ownership rights.

Kentucky Democrats haven’t won a U.S. Senate race since 1992.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.