Update: Bill Clinton Rallies in Frankfort with Speaker Richards

FRANKFORT -- Citing the former president's electoral success in Kentucky, State House Speaker Jody Richards (D-Bowling Green) introduced Bill Clinton at the Frankfort Civic Center for a morning Hillary Clinton campaign rally.

"Let's not forget that Bill Clinton won Kentucky in 1992 and 1996," proclaimed Richards, as he argued that Kentucky Democrats should support Senator Clinton's bid. The rally is packed with state employees and members of the state legislature. Business was reportedly slow in Frankfort government offices during the early morning hours today, despite several contentious legislative battles brewing over budget provisions and the Governor's casino gambling amendment.

Clinton acknowledged the presence of State Senator Ed Worley and ex-governor Julian Carroll, while also recognizing state Democratic Party chair Jennifer Moore and former Chair and current Kentucky Campaign Chair for Hillary Clinton Jerry Lundergan.

Clinton's remarks have thus far focused on the state of the economy and "energy independence" and efficiency - including utilizing "clean coal" technology.

"I'm not saying that because I am in Kentucky, I say that when I am in California, too," said Clinton. "This is not just campaign rhetoric for me."

Update - 11:35am: In the midst of a discussion of hybrid vehicle technology, President Clinton referenced the Obama campaign's comparison of him to Senator Joseph McCarthy.

"This is what this election should be about," said Clinton, referring to the energy issue he was discussing. "Not all this 'ya ya' I hear all the time."

"The level of sanctimony in the rhetoric is inversely related to the benefit of the public policy," said the former president, who then paused, and remarked "Somebody probably figured out a way to accuse me of being Joe McCarthy again over there."

Clinton's remarks continued to explain his wife's positions on health care and education policy.

Update - 11:57am: Clinton closed his speech elaborating on his wife's positions on trade, international diplomacy, and the Iraq conflict.

“We gained manufacturing jobs every year I was president, and we lost them every year since. Its because we have five times more trade enforcement," said Clinton. “There is a reason this happened that we you not have thought of. We abandoned the fiscal responsibility that gave us four surplus budgets when I was President.”