A veteran Kentucky political observer expects the fall congressional race between incumbent Andy Barr and first-time candidate Amy McGrath to be competitive.
Al Cross, director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, anticipates references to President Trump during the campaign.
“The president will be a big factor in this race. The president feeds the appetite for change because most Democrats, almost all Democrats are unhappy with him and even a lot of Republicans are unhappy with him,” said Cross.
In yesterday’s Primary, House GOP Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Shell lost to Garrard County teacher Travis Brenda. Cross, who’s reported on Kentucky politics for decades, expects the state house to remain in GOP hands.
“I do not think that the House is going to flip. That would take a tremendous turnover of seats and I just don’t see that happening because Democrats have some open seats that they have to defend, just like Republicans do,” noted Cross.
While voter turnout across Kentucky Tuesday was lower than expected, Cross anticipates a smaller turnout gap in the fall midterm election.
The longtime journalist believes female voters and those with lower incomes will turn out better than previous midterm contests.
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