The Fancy Farm Picnic on Saturday brings a spirited political atmosphere and plenty of barbecue. KET will be broadcasting live from the event in Graves County, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Central Time.
Here's a link to the stream:
https://www.ket.org/episode/KFANF%20001401/
Several statewide officeholders will be speaking at this year's event, including Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear, who has announced a run for governor. Republican Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles is this year's emcee. Here's a recent run-down of who will be speaking. Governor Matt Bevin will not be speaking, according to organizers.
Expect to see Democrats vying to make a comeback in this year's midterm election, with numerous teachers on the ballot - and some speaking at the event - frustrated with the handling of pension reforms and attempts to change public education. Other issues, including attempts to rollback expanded Medicaid and the Trump administration's tariffs on agriculture and other industries are some areas where Democrats are hoping they can make a comeback in rural west Kentucky.
Republicans will likely tout job gains under President Trump and Governor Matt Bevin's administration, as well as the historic Republican takeover of the state legislature and ongoing work to implement conservative policies, including pro-gun and anti-abortion efforts. Trump was heavily favored in Kentucky's first district and Republicans are looking to flip the last two remaining Democratic House seats in the region - both wide open in November.
WKMS News has interviewed some of the local candidates for office that will be on stage at Fancy Farm:
Republican Congressman James Comer has attended numerous Fancy Farms in the past and will likely describe his farming background, including his role as former Ag Commissioner, and his efforts to spearhead Kentucky's hemp industry. He'll likely talk about his support for farmers and his position on the Farm Bill conference committee. A strong supporter of Trump's policies, and a soybean farmer himself, he'll have to navigate the politically thorny tariff issue. He has said he doesn't want to see a trade war with China, but feels Trump will ultimately negotiate a 'level playing field' on trade. He may also mention having held dozens of town hall meetings around the region, which people who disagree with him on issues have said they appreciate.
Democratic congressional challenger Paul Walker is a professor at Murray State, has been endorsed by local progressive groups and won his primary race by a wide margin. This will be Walker's first Fancy Farm and he says he is looking forward to the atmosphere. Walker says farm interests are being abandoned and says it's "puzzling" representatives are not strongly voicing opposition and wants a stronger rebuke from leadership. Walker says he can find common ground with voters over shared values: home, education, healthcare. He says hemp and attracting industry are generally bipartisan. Walker predicts the "blue wave" might be smaller in Kentucky, but says people want checks and balances, not unchecked power.
Republican State Representative Richard Heath will likely talk about job growth under GOP policies, his support for anti-abortion legislation, religious freedom legislation and his vote to fund K-12 education and to fund the pension. Last year, he discussed his pro-gun and anti-abortion positions. On school safety, Heath says he would not support legislation that restricts gun rights and would support qualified teachers and other school officials to carry guns. He wants to "level the playing field" with Tennessee on taxes through increasing sales tax and lowering income tax. He feels confident he will get re-elected.
Democratic State Rep. challenger Charlotte Goddard is an elementary school teacher. She says there is "an assault on workers rights" and favors increasing the minimum wage. She wants to repeal right to work. She says she would resist the privatization of public education and public pensions. She also supports expanded Medicaid. She describes herself as 'not anti-gun' and supports "sensible ownership" and legislation to address school shootings. She says she is pro-choice because it is not her place to tell someone what choices they have or don't have without being aware of their situation.
Fancy Farm serves as a symbolic kick-off the fall campaign season. Given the marches, social media interest and people eager to get involved in politics, another aspect of consideration is whether Kentucky can overcome its chronic low voter turnout. Fancy Farm viewers, both in person and on television, on both sides of the aisle, are likely the "choir" to whom politicians will preach. A challenge for all candidates, and those who support them, will be whether their messages will motivate more people to vote on November 6.
Here's how to register: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky
