In Jefferson County, a show of support for Fischer

Former state Sen. David Karem (D-Louisville) and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Greg Fischer (D-Louisville): Politicker Photo
Democratic Senate candidate Greg Fischer appeared at a rally on the Jefferson County courthouse steps this afternoon to unveil a slate of endorsements from the vicinity, including a former Congressman and the current Speaker Pro Tem of the Kentucky House.

Former 3rd District Congressman Romano Mazzolli and state Representative and Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark were the most prominent of those announcing their support of Fischer's candidacy today. They were joined by state Senator Perry Clark, former state Senator David Karem, former Louisville Mayor David Armstrong, and state Representatives Tom Burch, Jim Wayne, and Mary Lou Marzian. Louisville Metro Councilwoman Vicki Welch also was included in the list of endorsers, but was not at the rally.

All of those making endorsements are Democrats from Louisville.

"The momentum and enthusiasm for this campaign is growing by leaps and bounds, everyday. It's grassroots support, its people who will get out on May 20," said Fischer. "It's support that is going to carry us to victory on May 20 and in November."

A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered on the courthouse Former Congressman Romano Mazzolli (D-Louisville)steps in the afternoon rain to greet the endorsements and Fischer. The campaign also enlisted a pair of trumpeters to punctuate the event.

Karem, speaking on behalf of the endorsing politicians, told the crowd why they were supporting Fischer.

"We believe - and we know in our hearts - the only person who can win the United States Senate seat away from the Republican Party is the individual that we are here embracing today," said Karem. "That is Greg Fischer."

Karem went on to argue that a Kentucky Democratic ticket with Fischer on the ballot in November would help Democrats throughout the state.

"If you are a supporter of [3rd District incumbent Congressman] John Yarmuth, you want Greg Fischer on the ballot in November," said Karem. "If you are a supporter of Hillary Clinton, you want Greg Fischer on the ballot in November. If you are a supporter of Barack Obama, you want Greg Fischer in November."

The endorsements come on the heels of recent poll results that show Fischer creeping towards frontrunner Bruce Lunsford. The campaigns of those two candidates have been exchanging attacks in the past few weeks.

Karem told PolitickerKY.com the endorsements were a sign of continuing momentum for the Fischer campaign.

"This says the campaign has achieved the credibility we wanted it to achieve," said Karem. "It says that as people begin examining it, they know that Greg is the guy that can win in November. They know he is the guy that comes with an absolutely flawless background with no baggage."