Fancy Farm provided a preview of a Democratic primary for Governor

The 146th Annual Fancy Farm Picnic and Political Speaking provided a bit of a preview of what the Democratic primary for Governor will look like for 2027.

The two Democrats who have thrown their hats in the ring have both been key parts of Andy Beshear’s administration. Coleman, the daughter of a former state legislator and a teacher, was selected as his running mate just as teachers were revolting against then-Governor Matt Bevin. Adkins was narrowly defeated by Beshear in the 2019 primary, but was added to the team in a senior advisory role, which he held until the middle of July. Since leaving the administration, Adkins has been appointed to the revamped Kentucky State Fair Board. Both had stepped in to represent the Governor, while his work as the head of the Democratic Governor’s Association and other potential aspirations have had him traveling a great deal.

Coleman was the first to speak, clapping back at jokes about helping her hairdresser get unemployment during COVID by “apologizing” and saying that it was really Auditor Allison Ball’s hairdresser who really needed help. She took a jab at Beshear, saying she tried to get him to Fancy Farm by telling him it was in New Hampshire. She touted the economic success during their administration, noting they barely beat Matt Bevin in 2019. She said they are both still making headlines, Beshear as a Presidential contender, Bevin as a criminal, following a number of family and personal problems that have progressed into the court system. She tied those problems into a jab at Comer, who lost to Bevin in the Republican primary that year.

Coleman said her agenda would include continuing the work of their administration, focusing on education, healthcare, housing, Pre-K For All, and again promising to give teachers a raise. Her speech, though. moved on to shots at the Constitutional Officers, saying that after creating an Ag education program with Jonathan Shell and touring schools, he wore shirts the same size as elementary kids. She said Michael Adams’ speech would show why he was picked last on the playground. She said she forgot to write a joke about Mark Metcalf. Coleman went after Attorney General Russell Coleman over a post on X saying she wasn’t his ex-wife or sister, and she would never be Governor. She read comments from the post saying he should “keep dreaming,” among others. She wrapped by saying that since Comer and Adkins served in the House with her father, they might say they knew her when she was in diapers. Coleman said if they both stick around, she’ll be able to say the same thing.

Adkins opened his remarks with a remembrance of former State Representative Fred Nessler, whom he credited with saving and keeping Fancy Farm Elementary School, which is adjacent to the picnic grounds, open. He said his definition of leadership was finding ways every day to help people, but accused the Republicans of voting for Medicare and Medicaid cuts, threatening local hospital closures, and knocking people off their healthcare. Adkins tried to saddle them with tariffs, cuts to healthcare workers, SNAP benefits, and claimed that Comer and Barr voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill. He said after each of those charges, “I think that’s wrong, how about you?”

Adkins said real leadership is what Beshear has produced and expressed pride at being his advisor. He touted the economic development wins, claiming over $50 billion dollars in private investment in the last six and a half years, and increasing tourism over the last four consecutive years. He said real leadership is treating people with dignity and trying to find common ground. After that series of statements, he declared, “I like that kind of leadership, how about you?” Adkins said that would be the kind of leadership he would bring if elected.

Beshear’s two hand-picked lieutenants will square off in the May primary, but their Republican opponent has yet to be determined, although most experts suspect Congressman James Comer to declare sometime after November, as he is currently running for re-election to Congress.

More discussion about the weekend’s events at Fancy Farm is coming up Monday morning on the Greg Dunker Show on SuperTalk 94.3 WKYX.