A day after exchange on defense, Senate candidates mum on opponents on 9/11 anniversary

On the eve of the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, the campaign of Democratic Senate candidate Bruce Lunsford swung at incumbent Sen. Mitch McConnell over national defense policy, presenting a slew of McConnell's votes and arguing "he consistently opted to put partisanship over country."

"Tomorrow is the seventh anniversary of 9/11," said Lunsford spokesman Cary Stemle in a statement. "Not only is it a day that calls for somber reflection, but it should serve as a reminder to all Americans about the importance of guaranteeing our nation's security at home and abroad."

The votes referenced included McConnell's opposition to legislation that would implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission - a position taken by some Republicans because of a provision in that legislation allowing for the unionization of airport safety screeners.

The McConnell campaign took exception to the criticism, telling the Louisville Courier-Journal Lunsford was taking advantage of the anniversary for political reasons.

"As misguided as Lunsford's attack is, it is even more crass that he seeks to politicize what is a solemn anniversary to all Americans," campaign manager Justin Brasell told the Courier-Journal.

On today's anniversary of the attacks, both candidates made no direct reference to each other in statements released to the media.

"The horror of September 11, 2001, is still very fresh in our minds. This day will always be a sad one for Americans," said McConnell on the Senate floor this morning. "It also has become a day of solemn pride as we remember the tremendous heroism and self-sacrifice of so many in New York, at the Pentagon, and on a plane over Shanksville, Pennsylvania."

"Later this morning the Senate will take time to remember, and it's fitting that we do so," continued McConnell. "It's fitting that we should pause as a body - and as a nation - to remember the victims and their families, as well as the heroes, and to remind ourselves of the dangers that we still face."

Lunsford had a statement of his own on the anniversary, and while McConnell's name did not come up, the 9/11 Commission legislation did, as well as some other suggestions for improvement in U.S. foreign policy.

"The anniversary of 9/11 should serve as a reminder to all Americans as to why we must ensure our nation's security at home and abroad," said Lunsford in his statement. "It is a time to pay respect to the families of the survivors, and a time to honor the men and women serving in our armed forces who make sacrifices every day to protect our families from those who want to do us harm."

"Not only must we be committed to protecting the United States and following the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, but we also need a recommitment in Afghanistan, the true terror threat and the place from where the 9/11 attacks were launched," Lunsford continued.