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Three Democrats who want to replace Mitch McConnell make their case in Paducah

Three Democrats who hope to replace retiring U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell appeared for a forum in Paducah on Monday to make their case.

Charles Booker, Pam Stevenson, and Amy McGrath spoke at a forum presented by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. Topics ranging from the cleanup at the DOE site to the potential for an AI data center to whether the candidates would have a field office in Paducah if elected were posed to each candidate. They took two minutes to answer the questions, all pledging to keep a field office in Paducah.

When it comes to AI development, each noted that the electricity at those centers should not come at the expense of citizens. All three also talked about regulating AI and the centers that are at its core. When asked about the expansion project on the locks at Kentucky Dam, although no one spoke specifically about the project, they did pivot to infrastructure and the need to maintain it, given its critical nature for further economic growth.  

When asked about proposed investments into the U.S. of over $500 billion from Japan, McGrath said that investment is good, but that things like fixing healthcare, tackling affordability, and high prices would go a long way to fixing the economy. Booker said that Kentucky is open for business but can’t be bought. Stevenson turned the question into an idea that Japan was trying to control what she described as a weak America, and suggested that she wouldn’t take the money, asking the question, “why now?”

The forum was the first of three ahead of the May 19th Primary Election. On May 8th, the Republican Senate hopefuls will be in Paducah-Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron, and Nate Morris-to face questions at a Chamber luncheon. Then the series wraps up on May 12th -one week before the primary- with the Republican candidates for McCracken County Judge-Executive.
7 hours ago