2014 KY Senate debate: on Energy & Oil

Mitch McConnell: I blocked the passage of Obama's cap-and-trade

Grimes blamed McConnell for lost coal jobs, but he fired back that he was actually able to block the passage of cap-and-trade legislation when Democrats had a super majority of 60 votes in the Senate and it was a top presidential priority. He suggested that Obama is using executive orders because of his deft maneuvering in the Senate.

The challenge for McConnell is making sure that the swing voters left in this race do not see him as part of the problem in Washington.McConnell says he's not a scientist and doesn't know for sure if global warming is a problem. Grimes said, "I recognize, unlike Sen. McConnell, the realities of climate change, but I do believe we have to take a balanced approach."

Alison Grimes: Balanced approach to deal with global warming

She then called for a "balanced" approach to dealing with climate change while preserving Kentucky's coal jobs.

The McConnell campaign responded to the interview in a statement, saying that the "Whether it was entertaining the legalization of recreational drug use, endorsing climate change or supporting gun control efforts at gun shows, she sounded exactly like the kind of partisan Obama loyalist that has been attacking Kentucky in Washington for the last six years," said a McConnell campaign spokeswoman.

During the interview, Grimes said she disagrees with Obama on "many issues." "Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell is the only one that doesn't realize that," Grimes said.

Mitch McConnell: AdWatch: Fights EPA regulation on coal production

"A fighter who never lets Kentucky down," the Chamber says of McConnell in the ad that is airing now through Dec. 12 at a cost of $181,500, according to the latest report from the FEC.