While Democrats made their first appearance in two years at this weekend’s 142nd Annual Fancy Farm Picnic in Graves County, Republicans rolled up their sleeves and delivered blow after blow against Gov. Andy Beshear and the Joe Biden presidential term.
Saturday’s GOP slate included State Senator Jason Howell, Rep. Richard Heath, wife Kelly on hand for husband and Senator Rand Paul, Congressman James Comer, Treasurer Allison Ball, Secretary of State Michael Adams, Ag. Commissioner Ryan Quarles, AG Daniel Cameron, Auditor Mike Harmon and a new Republican gubernatorial candidate in Savannah Maddox.
Of those names, Quarles, Cameron, Harmon and Maddox have all filed for the gubernatorial race this November — and many others have hinted at following in their footsteps.
Among the many themes, Beshear was labled as the “shutdown” governor — following his executive decision to close businesses during the early months of the global pandemic.
Churches, and their closures, were specifically mentioned more than once, and especially by Ball, who’s running for state auditor.
Quarles echoed similar sentiments.
Adams, who has been lauded nationwide for cleaning up Kentucky’s voter registry and assisting with bipartisan efforts to increase voter turnout and crack down on voter fraud, gleaned upon west Kentucky’s history — which at one time included a rich Democrat base.
Not the case anymore, Adams said.
Comer, who’s long admired the Fancy Farm Picnic, said the festivities needed Democrats on board annually.
Maddox, meanwhile, announced she’s been endorsed for the Republican nomination by polarizing 4th Congressional District Rep. Thomas Massie, and was the only governor’s candidate to officially call out her fellow constituents.
Cameron’s entire speech, while voluminous, was nearly drowned out by chants from Charles Booker supporters — who unerringly yelled “Breonna Taylor” for six straight minutes.
Other consistent Republican themes included America’s recent absorption of a 40-year record inflation rate, increased gas prices, supply chain issues and the continued dialogue surrounding the transgender community.
In regards to unity and/or bipartisanship, every speaker lauded the efforts of Kentuckians coming together for the greater good of repairing west and east Kentucky — who in the last eight months have each endured unspeakable, record-breaking weather events that have demolished communities.
Fancy Farm Political Chair Steven Elder, who was co-recipient of the prestigious “Pioneer Award,” opened Saturday’s speaking with comforting words.
Election Day this year in Kentucky: November 8.
