On paper, the race in Kentucky between Sen. Mitch McConnell and his Democratic challenger, Alison Lundergan Grimes, should be pretty clear-cut: The experienced veteran easily beats a political novice. But like most things, it's not. 

McConnell must cross the first hurdle by beating his primary challenger, Matt Bevin, before he engages in what is expected to be one of the most expensive and bitterly fought Senate campaigns this midterm season. 

A lot is at stake overall in November: control of the Senate and the political fate of one of the most powerful Republicans in Washington. 

Grimes' advantage 

Grimes, 35, was just 7 when McConnell was first elected to the Senate. 

Mitch McConnell would face biggest challenge yet in Alison Grimes 

While he rose up the ranks in Washington and became Senate Republican leader, Grimes practiced law and won statewide office as secretary of state in 2011. 

Despite her short political career, like McConnell, her name carries weight -- for better or worse. 

Grimes' family has a long history in state Democratic politics. Her father, Jerry, was the former chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party and a state legislator. But he was forced out of those roles over legal problems facing his catering company. 

While the family name has been battered, its connections survive: She'll have access to the deep pockets and support of her father's allies, including Bill and Hillary Clinton. 

The former President has already hit the trail for Grimes, raising more than $600,000 at one Louisville event in February. 
Will she be easy to defeat?
Mitch McConnell would face biggest challenge yet in Alison Grimes 