Democrats Warm Up for Fancy Farm at Barkley Dinner

McCracken County Democrats gathered Thursday evening for their 14th annual Alben Barkley Dinner at Walker Hall.

The committee honored some local people for their involvement in the political process, and welcomed some speakers who will participate in Saturday's political speaking at the Fancy Farm Picnic.

The event had several notable attendees, like Commonwealth's Attorney Dan Boaz, Coroner Amanda Melton, Former Lt. Governor Steve Henry, and recent legislative candidates Paul Walker, Julie Tennyson and Martha Emmons. 

The Alben Barkley Women's Club Scholarships were awarded to Martha McHaney and Megan Hayden, and an Emerging Leader award was presented to Tennyson. Linda Carroll was given the award for Democratic Woman of the Year and Ginger Usher was honored as Outstanding Democrat of the Year. 

Among those who spoke, Lt. Governor candidate Jacqueline Coleman, who is a teacher and coach, gave her boisterous opinion of Governor Matt Bevin, saying he is anti-teacher. She also criticized US Senator Mitch McConnell. 

Gubernatorial candidate and current Attorney General Andy Beshear also took aim at Bevin, while repeating his views on other topics. He spoke in favor of medical marijuana and hemp, but said McConnell's handling of hemp is, "all wrong." Beshear, who has sued several big pharmaceutical companies over opioids, also said he wants to prevent those corporations from being involved in medical marijuana.

Beshear told the crowd that for most of his life Democrats were in charge of the government, and that was great. He said the current situation is good, too, since they are considered the underdogs, and, "everybody roots for the underdog."

He added that all of the Republican candidates may own property and be eligible for office in Kentucky, but every one of the democratic candidates are true Kentuckians, and that knowledge should help voters decide who is best suited to run the government. 

Special guest speaker at the event was Charles Booker, Kentucky State Representative from District 43 in Louisville. Other speakers at the dinner included candidates for state-wide offices: Heather French Henry (Sec. of State), Michael Bowman (Treasurer), Sheri Donahue (Auditor), and Robert Conway (Sec. of Agriculture). Greg Stumbo, candidate for Attorney General, was an unexplained no-show.