Kentucky Primary

Shortly after his victory over Greg Fischer in the U.S. Senate race's Democratic primary, Bruce Lunsford got a few words of encouragement from Sen. Charles Schumer, the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Schumer's statement looks toward the general election campaign against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell:

"Kentuckians who want to change the direction the country is headed will have a chance to do so in November by electing Bruce Lunsford. Bruce is an outstanding candidate, and as the Democratic Party's nominee for Senate, I know he will run a campaign that will make Kentucky proud. Republicans in Washington have obstructed change in our foreign and economic policies for too long, and by electing Bruce Lunsford, Kentucky can reject that obstructionism and move the country forward."

Louisville businessman Bruce Lunsford is projected to win the Democratic Senate primary in Kentucky.

Lunsford has collected 51 percent of the vote with 95 percent of precincts reporting, while fellow Louisville businessman Greg Fischer garnered 33 percent.

Perennial candidate David L. Williams has received 5.4 percent while James Rice collected 3.3 percent.

Fischer is expected to speak shortly, and Lunsford will follow.

Former Congresswoman Anne Northup (R-Louisville) is projected to win a resounding victory in the Republican primary in Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District.

Northup has received 77 percent of the vote with 95 percent of precincts reporting. Her nearest opponent, Louisville developer Chris Thienemanto, received just 21 percent.

Northup will now move on to face Congressman John Yarmuth (D-Louisville), the man who upset her in 2006.

LOUISVILLE -- Polls are now closed throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

US SENATE - Democrats, 97% of precints reporting:

Bruce Lunsford - 51%

Greg Fischer - 34%

David L. Williams - 5%

Michael Cassaro - 3%

James Rice - 3%

US SENATE - Republicans, 97% of precints reporting:

Mitch McConnell - 86%

Daniel Essek - 14%

KY-2 Democrats, with 97% of precints reporting:

David Boswell - 59%

Reid Haire - 41%

KY-3 Republicans, with 97% of precints reporting:

Anne Northup - 77%

Chris Thieneman - 21%

President - Democrat, with 97% of precints reporting:

Hillary Clinton - 65%

Barack Obama - 30%

Sen. Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton: Getty Images PhotoHillary Clinton will win Kentucky's Democratic presidential primary, the Associated Press and television networks are projecting. Exit polling showed Clinton's victory over Sen. Barack Obama was so lopsided that the networks were able to project a winner as the final polling places closed at 7 p.m. ET.

"Tonight we've achieved an important victory," Clinton told a crowd in Louisville. "It's not just Kentucky bluegrass that's music to my ears, it's the sound of your overwhelming vote of confidence."

Clinton made it clear in her victory speech that she has no plans to drop out of the race.

"I'm going to keep making our case until we have a nominee, whoever she may be," she said.

Clinton leads the count with 65 percent to Obama's 30 percent, with nearly 95 percent of precincts reporting.

President Bill Clinton in Louisville on Thursday: Politicker Photo

LOUISVILLE -- While stumping for the campaign of his wife, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), former President Bill Clinton told a crowd of about 300 supporters in Louisville to ignore those who were saying the Democratic nomination was in the hands of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

"All the media experts were telling you this thing is over, you don't count, stay at home, or follow the line -- that's what they are telling you," said Clinton.

"Everybody who has been telling you that has got a good job, a college education, [is] absolutely content with health care, and they don't have a stake in this election," Clinton continued. "You do."

More PolitickerKY.com coverage: Herald-Leader poll gives Clinton 27-point lead

Ben Chandler (D-Versailles) endorses Obama

LOUISVILLE - 6th District Congressman Ben Chandler (D-Versailles) officially announced his support of the Presidential campaign of Illinois Senator Barack Obama today at a press conference in downtown Louisville. Chandler becomes the second of Kentucky's eight superdelegates to endorse Obama, joining 3rd District Congressman John Yarmuth - who appeared with Chandler at today's event.

"I do not come by this decision lightly...I have thought long and hard about what is in the best interest of our state and our nation," said Chandler. "Now is not the time to be timid. It is, instead, a time to be bold and support a candidate who has ability to transform the future. Too much is in place for us to do nothing."