McCain projected to win Kentucky

That's not a surprise. But what is surprising is that with 10% of the vote counted, Democratic senatorial candidate Bruce Lunsford is beating Senator (and Republican minority leader) Mitch McConnell, 51% to 48%.

Some background on the latest in the race from the Associated Press:

Sen. Mitch McConnell has campaigned on a theme of continuity and touted his Senate leadership post as an asset for Kentucky, while Democratic challenger Bruce Lunsford has called for a change in course in tough economic times.

They'll find out which message resonates more as Kentucky voters make their pick for U.S. senator in Tuesday's election.

McConnell is Senate minority leader and is seeking a fifth term. Lunsford is making his third bid for statewide office after two unsuccessful runs in Democratic primaries for governor.

Lunsford and McConnell each voted in their precincts in Louisville on Tuesday morning, and planned gatherings with supporters in the evening.

If Lunsford defeats McConnell, then-Democratic minority leader Tom Daschle's 2004 loss to Republican John Thune in South Dakota will have been avenged.