State of Kentucky Archives: on War & Peace
Alison Grimes:
Israel has the right to defend herself
As foreign policy inches its way into a debate that has largely focused on the economy, Grimes was asked about congressional efforts to aid Israel's missile defense system, known as the Iron Dome.
"Obviously, Israel is one of our strongest allies in the Middle East, and she has the right to defend herself," Grimes said. "But the loss of life, especially the innocent civilians in Gaza, is a tragedy.
The Iron Dome has been a big reason why Israel has been able to withstand the terrorists that have tried to tunnel their way in.
"My hope is that a cease-fire can be structured. Ultimately, I think the long-term solution though is not one we can
impose. It has to come from within. It's a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine."
[OnTheIssues note: Iron Dome is an anti-missile system, not an anti-tunnel system.]
Source: Herald-Leader on 2014 Kentucky Senate race
Jul 29, 2014
Alison Grimes:
Don't send US troops back to Iraq; but support role ok
Today, Alison Lundergan Grimes released the following statement on the situation in Iraq:"This is a very dangerous and concerning development in Iraq, and I will continue to monitor reports and evaluate new information as it develops in the coming
days. Ultimately, this fight is up to the people of Iraq. I would not support the United States reintroducing troops in Iraq. The United States should continue to play a supportive role by providing useful intelligence."
Source: 2014 Kentucky Senate campaign website, AlisonForKentucky.com
Jun 13, 2014
Amy McGrath:
Support NATO alliance; support two-state Israel solution
We need strong alliances to face the global challenges ahead, and NATO is the most capable alliance in world history. The alliance includes members that together account for more than half of all global military spending, and it's critical because it's
values-based. At the same time, we must think practically about the benefits and drawbacks to an eastern expansion of NATO. Given Russian actions, we must make clear-eyed assessments about how NATO expansion could reshape the geopolitical map.
The survival and security of Israel is in the United States' interest and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fundamental to Israel's security.
Additionally, I'm in full support of maintaining Israel's QME (Qualitative Military Edge) and strengthening our nation's special relationship based on shared values.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
Amy McGrath:
No nukes in North Korea; nuke deal with Iran
Iran is now moving toward further enrichment of uranium which should never have happened. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the "Iran deal," was implemented to prevent this scenario from happening. The goal now should be to
bring back the kind of limitations on Iran's nuclear program that existed in the last administration's "Iran deal" but to extend them indefinitely, in exchange for a lifting of the relevant sanctions on Iran.
China certainly does not wish to see a war on the Korean peninsula, either. It is critical that the approach to North Korean nuclear progress should be a rest of the world vs. North Korea, not just a US vs. North Korea. We need a multi-national approach
and should be developing such an option today.
I support the U.S. providing defensive arms to Ukraine and exerting more pressure on Moscow using economic sanctions. We need leaders willing to patiently but consistently stand up to Russian aggression.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
Amy McGrath:
All major military actions must be approved by Congress
Article I of our Constitution grants Congress (not the president) the sole power to authorize the use of force. We need leaders who will take this oversight responsibility seriously, regardless of political party and regardless of who sits in the
Oval Office. As someone who has fought in these wars, I will demand that Congress do its job. All major military actions overseas (not defensive in nature) must be explicitly approved by Congress--and therefore, the American public.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
Chuck Pennacchio:
Shred Bush’s preemptive war doctrine
As an American historian, Cold War specialist, and national security expert, I will shred the Bush preemptive war doctrine as illogical, reckless, and feckless. Its application in Iraq alone is a devastating
indictment of the neoconservative, corporatist approach that destroys America’s moral leadership, America’s economic interests, American lives, American trade, and American goodwill.
Source: Interview with Kentucky Democrat Blog
Jan 24, 2005
Jim Gray:
We must destroy ISIS where they are
We need leaders in the Senate who understand the threat and have the strength and resolve to meet it head on. That includes supporting the military, our intelligence community, and diplomacy that unifies the world behind this mission.
We can't afford US Senators who put politics above the safety and security of your family. Jim is willing to do what it takes to defeat these terrorists, and he has the strength to make the choices we need to get the job done.
It's clear that ISIS will stop at nothing and use unconventional methods to strike fear into our hearts. We must destroy ISIS where they are and prevent them from attacking us here at home. To stay ahead, we must be strategic, strong and innovative.
Vital American assistance has enabled our allies in the region to shrink the territory ISIS controls and we should continue that aid as long as it is achieving results.
Source: 2016 Kentucky Senate campaign website, GrayForKentucky.com
Aug 8, 2016
Rand Paul:
Congress needs to take back power to go to war
I think presidents of both parties have been trying to usurp the authority. But our Founding Fathers wanted it to remain in Congress. They wanted to make it difficult to go to war. And I think we've been drifting away from that for a long time.
But that's why I'm willing to stand up. Not because I distrust President Trump. I actually think he has shown remarkable restraint. But I'm willing to stand up even against a president of my party, because we need to stand up and take back the power.
Source: Meet the Press 2020 on 2016 Kentucky senate race
Jan 12, 2020
Steve Beshear:
Gratitude for troops who fight terror & keep America free
In the last ten years, our nation has continued to fight the war on terrorism at home and around the world. These men and women volunteer to protect our freedoms and willingly put themselves in dangerous
circumstances because they believe in something bigger than themselves. They truly deserve not only our utmost respect, but also our everlasting gratitude.
Source: 2011 Kentucky gubernatorial press release
Sep 8, 2011
Andy Beshear:
Criticized Ukraine invasion; sanctioned by Russia
Beshear was added to a list of US officials sanctioned by the Russian government in retaliation for ongoing economic and travel restrictions imposed by several western nations for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last year, Beshear, McConnell and several
other Kentucky politicians condemned the invasion. Beshear refused to endorse Geoff Young, the Democratic nominee for the 6th Congressional District race last year who repeatedly parroted propaganda Putin has used to justify the country's invasion.
Source: WKYU Louisville Public Media on 2023 Kentucky Governor race
Feb 11, 2023
Thomas Massie:
Airstrikes against Houthis illegal without Congress' okay
Massie (R-KY) said there was clearly "no urgency" for U.S. military airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen, now in their 13th day. Therefore, the administration should have gone to Congress for authorization and without it, those strikes are illegal.
Massie said there may be some effort in the House to push for a War Powers Act vote or for defunding the U.S. military operations in Yemen.
Source: ResponsibleStatecraft.org on 2026 Kentucky Senate race
Mar 27, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026