Two Democratic polls released in the past two days showed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell virtually tied in his re-election race in the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, who formally launched her challenge to the Republican this week, led 44 percent to 42 percent in a survey conducted by her pollster, Mark Mellman. The poll of 750 likely voters was taken July 20-24.

The Democrat’s 2-point lead was within the poll’s 3.6-point margin of error, but the results indicate at this early point that McConnell has a race on his hands in this Republican-leaning state.

The second poll, released Thursday by a couple of liberal organizations, found Grimes ahead 45 percent to 44 percent. This survey was automated.

Meanwhile, McConnell Chief of Staff Josh Holmes is leaving his post in the Capitol to hold a joint role on McConnell’s campaign and as a senior adviser at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Politico first reported the news.

McConnell and Grimes are both scheduled to attend the annual picnic on Saturday in Fancy Farm, Ky. So is Matt Bevin, who is taking on McConnell in the GOP primary.