Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Sunday called the close Massachusetts Senate race a referendum on health care reform legislation, adding that the tight contest is politically toxic for Democrats regardless of who wins on Tuesday.

During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” McConnell declined to predict a winner in the neck-and-neck battle between Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown. But he said the fact that Republicans are running so closely in “the most liberal state in America” is a direct result of the health care bill — and a boost to those trying to prevent its passage.

“I think the politics are toxic for the Democrats either way,” McConnell said. “This arrogant attempt to have the government take over one-sixth of the economy on the heels of running banks, insurance companies, car companies, taking over the student loan business, doubling the national debt in five, tripling in 10. You’ve got … sort of widespread public revulsion.”

— Elizabeth Brotherton