Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

Are there some things politicians shouldn't say? We think so. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes joked with a group of Democrats at their annual bean supper before Fancy Farm and said: "Many folks say that Rand Paul can’t be beat, they’re worried he might be too well-liked. I don’t buy that. Just ask his neighbor, he can be beaten.” Grimes was criticized by making light of violence against our junior Senator. Paul had a half dozen broken ribs and suffered from lung problems. And his neighbor was sentenced to jail for attacking him. But Grimes is defending her statement and told critics that Republicans should get a tougher hide. Grimes may not have broken the law but she missed an opportunity to step above the fray and model what civility looks like in an uncivil time.