Reginald Meeks

LOUISVILLE -- Wednesday marked the anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. For the campaign of U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, the day was marked by an event conscious of both history and politics, as Yarmuth and a collection of volunteers, staffers, and elected officials held a voter registration canvass in west Louisville.

"This is the 43rd anniversary of the Voting Rights Act," Yarmuth told PolitickerKY.com. "This is somewhat symbolic, but it's also something we are going to emphasize from now until October 6. That is making sure that everyone who canU.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) on Wednesday: Politicker photo not only is registered, but is encouraged to vote so that the great effort that went into that piece of legislation in 1965 is not wasted."

While connecting to that history, the effort is also part of a campaign push to mobilize new support for both Yarmuth's re-election bid and the presidential campaign of presumptive Democratic nominee, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

In a rematch of the 2006 race for Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District that propelled him into office, Yarmuth is facing former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup this year. Yarmuth topped Northup by 2.4 percent during their last race.

This year, many analysts expect Obama's purported popularity among young voters and African-Americans to drive voter turnout figures up.

U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville), left, and state Rep. Reginald Meeks (D-Louisville), far right, prepare to register voters: Politicker photo

LOUISVILLE -- U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's presidential bid on February 8, while Obama was still embroiled in a primary battle with U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and before any of Kentucky's other superdelegates lined up behind the ultimate nominee.

After campaigning extensively for Obama's candidacy in advance of Kentucky's May 20 primary, Yarmuth chuckled slightly when he suggested Clinton - the former opponent who topped Obama by 35 points in the state -was the vice-presidential pick that could benefit Obama's ticket in Kentucky.

"I suspect if he picked Hillary, it would help him some," said Yarmuth while attending a voter registration drive in west Louisville this afternoon.

Yarmuth also indicated a Senator from Kentucky's neighbor to the north would also benefit Obama's candidacy.

"I think Evan Bayh would help him some," added Yarmuth.

When asked why, Yarmuth responded "just as a neighbor."

"Culturally, he seems to fit Kentucky and the Midwest," Yarmuth said.

Congressman John Yarmuth
Barack Obama’s campaign in Kentucky kicked off in earnest Saturday morning, as approximately four hundred supporters of the Illinois Senator gathered in Louisville for a rally held in conjunction with the opening of the campaign’s state headquarters.  read more »