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Protesters Interrupt McConnell Speech

Protesters Interrupt McConnell Speech
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By The Associated Press
Feb. 23, 2017 | COVINGTON, KY
By The Associated Press Feb. 23, 2017 | 03:10 PM | COVINGTON, KY
Two protesters interrupted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's speech before a suit-and-tie crowd at a local chamber of commerce luncheon to demand he speak with them.
 
McConnell has made three days of public appearances in Kentucky that required attendees to have tickets. Both protesters, who did not identify themselves, were quickly escorted out of the room. McConnell quipped, "I see we're having multiple speakers today," before continuing his speech.
 
Afterward, McConnell told reporters he is listening to what the protesters have to say, but he said they have a fundamental disagreement. He defended their right to protest.
 
Hundreds of protesters greeted McConnell on a closed city street outside the Covington hotel, and have been at his other appearances this week. 

Many, including 35-year-old Steve Felix of Highland Heights, held signs demanding Republicans back off plans to repeal the federal Affordable Care Act. McConnell vowed Congress would repeal the law "this year."

Lisa Benningfield held a sign Thursday in Covington that read "Hound Mitch," along with a picture of a dog. She said she was protesting McConnell's support for Trump despite his comments about women.
 
Susan Bridges said she plans to start protesting more. She was angered by a tweet from Trump suggesting protesters were planned by liberal activists. She held a sign that declared she was an unpaid protester and a full-time Kentucky resident.
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