While Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) had been pressing his general election opponent to take a position on the budget pending before the U.S. Senate, today McConnell took heat for his own vote in opposition to the budget this morning.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fired off a release criticizing McConnell for his "no" vote on the $3 trillion 2009 budget package before the Senate today.

"The budget is a reflection of our nation's priorities, and today Mitch McConnell stood squarely against the values of Kentuckians," said DSCC spokesperson Matthew Miller in today's release. "Mitch McConnell had an opportunity today to create jobs and invest in energy independence, but instead he continues to put special interests' priorities ahead of middle class Americans."

The DSCC argued a "yes" vote on the budget "invests in clean, renewable energy, gives middle class families needed tax cuts, provides vital funds for our nation's veterans and invests in new jobs - all while balancing the budget in five years."

"McConnell opted to continue the failed policies that have produced $4-per-gallon gasoline and stifled economic growth, while putting our children and grandchildren further in debt to China," read the DSCC's release.

Since Louisville Businessman Bruce Lunsford won the Democratic Senate nomination on May 20, McConnell's campaign has been pressing its opponent to take a position on the budget, going so far as to call his lack of a reply a "stonewall."

In a 48-45 vote this morning, 44 Republican Senators - including McConnell - were joined in opposing the budget by Indiana Democrat Evan Bayh. The 48 votes in favor of the budget included 46 Democrats and the two Republican Senators from Maine - Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe.