Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao cleared the path for projects that would specifically benefit Kentucky and thus, her husband Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) ahead of his 2020 reelection bid.

According to Politico, these arranged grants ultimately topped $78 million.

Chao assigned her aide Todd Inman to be the special liaison for Kentucky projects, a perk that other states did not enjoy and which helped channel money and attention into the Bluegrass state.

McConnell has been able to use approved projects to tout his ability to bring money and resources into the state, bolstering his image locally before his run.