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Ex-'Hey Kentucky!' host Matt Jones takes step toward Senate bid

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Posted at 9:23 AM, Aug 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-29 17:25:43-04

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Former "Hey Kentucky!" host Matt Jones will form an exploratory committee to consider running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

Jones had been taken off the air as he considered the run. Scripps, the owner of LEX 18, removed Jones from his hosting duties after he announced that he planned to write a book about U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.

Jones confirmed to LEX 18 that he intends to file paperwork in the coming days. He said he won't make a decision on running until after the November 2019 election.

Jones has been an outspoken critic of McConnell on his many platforms. Along with his Kentucky Sports Radio cohort Chris Tomlin, Jones will author the book "Mitch, Please!" The book will be released by publisher Simon & Schuster.

If Jones runs, he will face off in a Democratic primary against Amy McGrath, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel who already has announced her candidacy, health professional Steven Cox and retired Marine Mike Broihier.

Jones said that despite his admiration for McGrath, he wasn't sure she could beat the incumbent Senate majority leader.

A spokesman for McGrath said the campaign had no comment on the development.