Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his four fellow Republicans in the Bluegrass State’s Congressional delegation have sent out invitations for a post-primary unity rally — scheduled to give the Senate candidates time to calm down after the votes are counted.

The rally is being planned for May 22, and the primary is May 18.

The two Republican candidates for the Senate nomination, Secretary of State Trey Grayson and eye surgeon Rand Paul, have been ratcheting up the attacks on each other in what’s shaping up to be a close contest.

Paul’s campaign manager, David Adams, said he took the invitation as “a good sign” for that campaign.

McConnell has been actively working for Grayson’s campaign.

“We certainly hope that Paul will be at the unity rally,” Grayson spokesman Nate Hodson said. “It will be the first for the heir to Ron Paul’s political dynasty, who chose to organize a protest rally instead of supporting our party’s nominee at the 2008 GOP convention.”

Paul’s father is Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).

“The competitive GOP primary in which you are currently engaged is a further sign of vitality of our party,” McConnell’s invitation letter says. “Once the primary has concluded, it will be essential for all Kentucky Republicans to unite around our nominee.”