MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky. — Democrats have some ground to make up in Western Kentucky — something most people at the Marshall County Bean Dinner agreed on. 

What You Need To Know

  • The annual Fancy Farm picnic at St. Jerome Catholic Church is this Saturday

  • The event this year will mark the first for Democrats since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Several Republican candidates for governor are slated to speak, along with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker

“We really need to have a concise message that resonates with people, working people, in rural communities,” Marshall County Democratic Party chairman Drew Williams said. “And that’s not been what people felt has happened in the past.”

Democrats gathered for pre-Fancy Farm festivities for the first time since the pandemic started, including a trip to Graves County to help people impacted by tornadoes in Western Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Republicans were celebrating gains they’ve made across the state during their annual Night Before Fancy Farm dinner in Calvert City.

First District Republican Chairman Greg Delancey said they feel strongly about several issues heading into the midterms.

“I think the concept of the higher taxes that may be coming as a result of some of the legislation, the border wall, and all of the key issues that people are concerned about,” he said.

Republicans will have several speakers at Fancy Farm on Saturday, including multiple candidates for governor next year and U.S. Rep. James Comer. Kentucky Speaker of the House David Osborne is the event’s emcee.

Democrats will have three speakers: U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker, Kentucky Democratic Party chairman Colmon Elridge, and 1st Congressional District candidate Jimmy Ausbrooks. 

Related Stories