McConnell Dodges On Climate Change: ‘I’m Not A Scientist’

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-K.Y., speaks to the crowd during the Red, White and Blue Picnic on the Daviess County Courthouse lawn in Owensboro, Ky., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/The Messenger-Inqui... Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-K.Y., speaks to the crowd during the Red, White and Blue Picnic on the Daviess County Courthouse lawn in Owensboro, Ky., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/The Messenger-Inquirer, Greg Eans) MORE LESS
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell won’t say if he accepts the scientific consensus on man-made climate change because he’s “not a scientist.”

The Kentucky Republican told the Cincinnati Enquirer editorial board that the “crusade” of dealing with climate change is damaging his state.

“I’m not a scientist. All I can tell you is that country after country after country, given a choice, between pursuing this goal and their own economic growth are choosing economic growth,” he said. “I’m not interested in handicapping Kentucky’s economy in pursuit of a crusade that no one else is following. It makes no sense.”

The remarks by McConnell, who faces a tough reelection battle in November, echo those made by other Republicans, such as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

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