Dems push Obama in western Kentucky, where fight may be uphill

MURRAY -- Touted by many in the area as the second biggest western Kentucky political event for Democrats behind the legendary Fancy Farm picnic, the Purchase Area Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Murray on Monday night brought out many of the area's leading Democratic politicians, as well as some prominent statewide figures. However, it was two absent Democrats who was the object of much of theLt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard) in Murray on Monday: Politicker photo evening's discussion - presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Gov. Steve Beshear (D-Lexington).

The 1st Congressional District - in which Murray is firmly entrenched - went to Obama's Democratic primary opponent, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), 71 to 22 percent in Kentucky's May 20 primary election.

Statewide exit polls indicated one in five white voters said "race" played a role in their choice that election, leaving some to question whether these same white Democrats will support Obama in the general election.

"We like our primaries, but we come out stronger and unified after those primaries," Democratic Party of Kentucky Chair Jennifer Moore said in her remarks at the event. I urge you, no matter what side you were on in this presidential primaries, now is the time that we come together and we make sure we work hard to elect Barack Obama as our next president of the United States."

In recent public polling by SurveyUSA, John McCain showed an advantage in western Kentucky of 55 to 37 percent over Obama.

"The national pundits have labeled us a state whose decisions are marked by racial prejudice. What are we going to do about that as Democrats?" asked state Auditor Crit Luallen (D-Frankfort). "We have to turn that challenge into an opportunity. Let's respond by uniting like we have never united before, building on our tremendous tradition of diversity and build an even stronger Democratic Party - that's what we have to do to respond."

One Obama supporter speaking in support of his candidate said campaign efforts would not wane, even in areas where Obama was significantly down.

"I am not willing to surrender one street, one precinct, one town, one county, and certainly not the Commonwealth of Kentucky to John McCain," said Brian Clardy, a member of the Calloway County Democratic Party Executive Committee.

Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard), who endorsed Obama prior to the May 20 primary, said support in Kentucky was particularly important given the state's history as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.

"Imagine how proud we can be as Democrats in Kentucky - the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln - when President Barack Obama comes to celebrate on the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln next year," said Mongiardo.

Rallying for the Governor

Beshear, who surprised some by not attending the event, was still praised in the light of the recent passage of pension reform during a special legislative session. That passage came after a rough first six months in office, when many of Beshear's prized initiatives stalled in the state legislature - including an expanded casino gaming amendment and a cigarette tax hike.

Democrats at the event appeared to want to build off the special session momentum.

"Kentucky, because of our governor, has reached across and brought together consensus to fix one of the most difficult problems and most complex problems that we face in this state," said Mongiardo.

"He has brought together everyone," added Mongiardo.

"This is our time as Democrats to ensure that our governor, Steve Beshear has the strong united support from Democrats in every corner of this state to succeed," said Luallen.

Mongiardo gives Ryan a fighting chance

Among the Democrats in attendance at the event, First Congressional candidate Heather Ryan (D-Paducah) was the subject of a good deal of recognition from the podium. Her lightly-funded effort to unseat long-time incumbent U.S. Rep Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville) is considered a long-shot by many observers. But Mongiardo, at least, said she had a shot at an upset.

"Heather Ryan - I am impressed," said Mongiardo. "This is someone that can win."

After a brief speech in which she hammered Whitfield for - among other things - connections to oil interests through his personal financial holdings and campaign contributions, Ryan said the climate was right for a candidacy such as hers to succeed.

"It there was ever a time when a poor person from the south side of Paducah was going to beat a rich millionaire, it's now," said Ryan.

The ham was too much

Calloway County Democratic Party Chair Hal Kemp said the evening's event was a sell-out, with 300 in attendance.

Among the other prominent elected Democrats at the event were state Sens. R.J. Palmer (D-Winchester) and Joey Pendleton (D-Hopkinsville) and state Reps. Will Coursey (D-Benton), John Tilley (D-Hopkinsville), Fred Nesler (D-Mayfield), and Mike Cherry (D-Princeton).

Cherry received recognition from the podium and rounds of applause throughout the evening for his work spearheading last week's passage of pension reform legislation during a special session in Frankfort.

To top off the commendation, Cherry also won a drawing for the large ham that served as the evening's door prize. Cherry, however, declined his winnings, saying the recognition throughout the evening was sufficient. The ham was then awarded to another attendee.