The issue came up midway through the interview when Courier-Journal editorial director Pam Platt asked Grimes if she voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012. U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, Grimes' opponent, has spent the last year trying to link Grimes to the president, who is wildly unpopular in the state.

"This election isn't about the president, it's about making sure we put Kentuckians back to work," Grimes said.

"Did you vote for him?" Platt asked again, after once interrupting Grimes to ask during her previous answer.

"I was actually in '08 a delegate for Hillary Clinton and I think that Kentuckians know I'm a Clinton Democrat, through and through. I respect the sanctity of the ballot box, and I know the members of this editorial board do as well."

"So you're not going to answer," Platt said.

"Again, I don't think that the president is on the ballot, as much as Mitch McConnell might want him to be. It's my name and it's going to be me who is holding him accountable for the failed decisions and votes that he has made against the people of Kentucky," Grimes said.