Jim Weise

Polls open at 6am tomorrow throughout Kentucky and will stay open until 6pm, local time. With a slate of high-profile federal and state races set to be decided after months of campaigning, PolitickerKY.com asked around for opinions on what Kentuckians can watch for and what those on both sides of the aisle expect going into election day.

U.S. Senate: Lunsford (D) v. McConnell (R)

Without question, the most visible race throughout the state is U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell's (R-Louisville) fight for a fifth term against businessman Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville). Over five months have passed since Lunsford clinched the Democratic primary, with millions of dollars spent on both sides. The latest poll finds McConnell up 8 over Lunsford - results the Lunsford camp disputes.

Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R-Richwood) told PolitickerKY.com that he would be keeping an eye on returns from two traditional Republican strongholds on election night to see if McConnell can shore up his usual base of support - the 2nd and 1st Congressional Districts in western Kentucky. Grayson said those areas were "key" to that contest.

Grayson also suggested turnout in Jefferson County - and Louisville - could be important in the race. The are offers Democrats a sizeable registration advantage and was one of two counties that broke for Barack Obama during the May 20 Democratic Primary.

"It should be high, but if it's really, really high it could be a good sign for Lunsford and Obama," said Grayson of turnout. "If it's with expectations, I don't know that that would be a bad sign."

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in Inez, KY earlier this year: Politicker photo

The campaign of presumptive Republican presidential nominee and U.S. Sen. John McCain announced its first organizational moves in the state this afternoon, naming state Senate President David Williams (R-Burkesville) as Kentucky campaign chair.

A 22-year veteran of the state Senate, Williams has served as that body's president since 2000. He also unsuccessfully sought to unseat then-incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Wendell Ford in 1996.

"John McCain is a leader who Kentuckians can believe in. John McCain will protect our country, grow our economy, reform our government and improve America's energy security," said Williams in a statement dispatched by the McCain campaign. "We believe voters in Kentucky have a choice this November between John McCain, who will lead this nation forward, and Barack Obama who will take our country backward with his failed policies of the past. John McCain has always put our country's interest before his own; I am confident he will continue to do so as president."