KY-2 update: Fundraising is the focus as 2Q winds down

State Sen. David BoswellIn the public lull before the coming storm of campaign season, the candidates vying for the open 2nd Congressional District seat are balancing fundraising and their duties as state senators during this week's special legislative session.

Both contenders for the seat are scheduled to attend to their elected duties at legislators in Frankfort this week under the auspices of hammering out a final deal on pension reform. The special session is scheduled to last just the week, with draft legislation on pensions already agreed upon by House and Senate leadership.

Aside from those efforts, state Sen. David Boswell (D-Sorgho) has scheduled a series of fundraisers culminating in a June 30 event in Daviess County hosted by state Rep. Tommy Thompson (D-Owensboro).

"We are just trying to raise money right now," said Jim Cole, Boswell's campaign manager.

Boswell won the contested May 20 primary against Daviess County Judge/Executive Reid Haire (D-Owensboro), but reportedly finished that effort with little campaign cash remaining.

The campaign has postponed a planned visit to Washington, D.C., meant to court labor and national Democratic party support for their cause. Instead, the Boswell camp will continue a fundraising focus.

"You've got to raise money to get money," said Cole, in reference to the perception that a campaign must have a financial base before national interests will jump on board.

An expected influx on new strategists and staff to the campaign is also still being finalized, according to Cole.

Cole did note campaign efforts are slightly hindered by Boswell's required presence in Frankfort.

"The special session put a little bit of a wrinkle into everything," said Cole.

Boswell's opponent, state Sen. Brett Guthrie (R-Bowling Green), was also spotted in Frankfort during the special session.

His candidacy has recently been bolstered by a second fundraiser with a high-profile national Republican. On June 13, U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) made the trip to Prospect to benefit Guthrie's campaign.

During the first fundraising quarter, Guthrie's campaign also held a fundraiser in Lexington headlined by Vice President Cheney.

The Republican's camp has already reported $600,000 in total funds raised for this election. Guthrie faced no primary opposition and likely has a considerable amount remaining on hand.

Expectations are also high for the end of the second fundraising quarter, which wraps up with FEC reports due on July 15.

"We're doing very well and are closing out the quarter strong," said Guthrie's campaign manager, Brian Smith.