The Chamber placed a $182,240 statewide buy on broadcast TV. | John Shinkle/POLITICO Chamber to defend McConnell on air

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is launching a heavy TV ad buy in defense of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky, the latest turn in the establishment’s move to shore up GOP candidates against hard-right opponents, POLITICO has learned.

The Chamber placed a $182,240 statewide buy on broadcast TV from Dec. 3 through Dec. 12, three media-buying sources said.


McConnell is facing a primary challenge from tea party hopeful Matt Bevin ahead of a tough general election race against Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes.

( QUIZ: How well do you know Mitch McConnell?)

Since the government shutdown last month, Chamber officials have become more vocal about pushing back against tea party candidates who are seen as long shots in a general election. Representatives of the business lobby did not respond to requests for comment.