By Rebecca Feldhaus
Fancy Farm, KY – Though traditionally, all candidates running for office in Western Kentucky make it a point to attend the Fancy Farm picnic, Kentucky 2nd District Senate incumbent Bob Leeper did not make an appearance. However, Leeper's challengers, democrat Rex Smith and republican Mike East did give remarks. Smith spoke strongly against the difficulties Kentucky lawmakers had passing this year's budget and had a few words for Leeper.
"You know, I've always been told that 90% of success is just showing up. Has anybody seen Bob? Mike, have you seen Bob? Where's Bob?"
Newcomer Mike East took to the podium to talk about his unique platform dealing with the effect of divorce on children.
"We have kids who are thousands of miles away from one parent all their family, the church, the schools. No one is addressing these of issues because they are hot bed issues, they're tough. I deal with these for the last 25 years."
Sixth generation coal miner East then spoke about his own children's struggle with his divorce. He says because he's not been around before, he's not afraid to take on harsh competition.