Lunsford and Yarmuth address Obama effect on down-ballot races

U.S. Rep John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) at a Friday press conference in Louisville: Politicker photo

LOUISVILLE - After presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.), lost the Commonwealth's Democratic primary by 35 points to Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), there was necessarily some concern among Kentucky Democrats that a November ticket headed by Obama could potentially have a negative impact on down-ballot races.

U.S. Rep John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville) -two of the candidates in those lower-office battles - today addressed the potential "coattails" effect that could, theoretically, throw more votes to Republican candidates for Congress, should Obama's campaign fail to gain traction in the state.

"Barack is going to win a huge majority in this community and a couple of other places in this state," said Yarmuth at a press conference today in Louisville.

In the primary, Obama did win Jefferson and Fayette Counties - the counties containing the state's two largest cities, Louisville and Lexington.

Louisville is contained almost entirely within Yarmuth's 3rd Congressional District.

Elsewhere in the state, however, Yarmuth expressed a sentiment earlier voiced by former Democratic Governor Julian Carroll (D-Frankfort), claiming that Kentucky voters are inclined to select presidential and congressional candidates of opposing parties, at times.

"Kentuckians know how to split their ballot," said Yarmuth. "We've seen that."

Yarmuth and Lunsford both face well-financed, well-organized opposition. While Yarmuth has the advantage of incumbency against former U.S. Rep Anne Northup (R-Louisville) in the 3rd District, Lunsford takes his challenging Senate bid up against the machine of four-term incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville).

Today, Yarmuth said expected spikes in voter turnout associated with Obama's candidacy throughout the nation could benefit both Democrat's bids, particularly in Jefferson County (and Louisville).

"There are going to be so many new voters coming out in this county," said Yarmuth. "They're all going to vote for Bruce and me, so I think he is going to be a big help here."

"I'm not worried about the effect of the presidential race on Bruce's race," added Yarmuth.

Lunsford, too, said Obama could still gain popularity in the state.

"People don't really know him yet. When they get to know him, his message is so much more compelling," said Lunsford.