Kentucky GOP

The political shift in recent decades has been dramatic across the Ohio Valley, which was once defined by union power and labor issues, but now is dominated by social issues like abortion, racial justice and gay marriage.

Republican voters hoping to make Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear a one-term governor will have plenty of candidates to choose from during next year’s primary election.

After more than a year of public speculation, former United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft launched a campaign Wednesday to be Kentucky’s next governor.

With the immediate aftermath of destructive floods on one side of the state and the ongoing recovery from tornadoes on the other side, politicians and people throughout the Fancy Farm picnic emphasized the importance of Kentuckians coming together to help neighbors and strangers alike when disasters strike.

The barbecue and political jabs at the St. Jerome’s Parish picnic in Fancy Farm, Kentucky were plentiful, but the same can’t be said for the number of Democrats on the picnic’s signature political speaking roster.

Every year, thousands flood into the small Graves County community to talk politics and partake in pulled pork at the event put on by St. Jerome Catholic Church in Fancy Farm, setting the table for November’s election and other high profile state races, including next spring’s gubernatorial primary.

The development comes after years of Republican electoral victories in Kentucky and dwindling returns for Democrats.

Republican lawmakers unveiled a bill that would reduce and eventually eliminate the income tax, a move critics say would hurt poor people.

Republican leaders of the legislature have rejected Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s request to collaborate on a plan to provide bonuses to essential workers during the pandemic.

“The legislature owns this pandemic moving forward,” Gov. Andy Beshear said, relaying his frustration with state lawmakers.