Confident Comer and challenger Williams make pitch for Congress

A confident incumbent Congressman James Comer and his challenger, Democrat John “Drew” Williams, made their pitch for the First Congressional District seat.

Per the Fancy Farm rules, a coin toss decided the speaking order. Comer won the toss, but elected to defer, so Williams stepped to the podium for the second time. He was the only Democrat to speak at the event last year. He opened with what has been his campaign signature, saying “I’m here for you!” He said that last year he came to introduce himself, but said he came with receipts this time. He said he had attended over 100 public events and knocked on over 20,000 doors over the last year, while noting the shape of the district.

The Benton native, construction worker, and historian is a Murray State grad who referred to himself as a “liberty-style econocrat,” calling for more liberty and easier interaction with government. Williams advocated for a simplified tax code and a $100,000 earned income and Social Security tax credit. He also called for taking so-called dark money out of politics and stopping those elected and their families from individually trading stock. He also decried the use of cameras in communities and the placement of data centers. Williams called on Comer to drop out of the race in light of his rumored, but unconfirmed, run for Governor next year.  

Comer took his turn and immediately went after Democratic Senate hopeful Charles Booker. Comer said, “I’m going to save you some time and gas money. Nobody in west Kentucky is buying that socialist bull crap you’re selling. This is Andy Barr country!” He then turned his attention to Williams, whom he said finished 8 out of 10 in his first race for Benton City Council. He noted that he ran for State Representative to challenge Republican Chris Freeland, but was third of three in the primary. Comer chided him by saying he was moving up, “You’re gonna finish second, this time.” He got a two-for-one shot at Williams and Governor Andy Beshear by “predicting” Williams would run for President, and might be the strongest candidate from Kentucky. He said that since Beshear is reportedly only polling around one percent in New Hampshire, Williams would only be one point behind.

Then Comer took on the two Democratic Gubernatorial candidates, starting with Lt. Governor Coleman, noting her early 24-point lead in the polls over former Beshear advisor Rocky Adkins. Comer said that with Adkins out of the administration, he suggested that maybe now she could take credit for what the Republican legislators have done over the last seven years. Then he suggested the only thing she’s gotten credit for was getting her hairdresser on unemployment during COVID. Turning to Adkins, he expressed faux concern that now that he is out of government for the first time in nearly 40 years, he might starve, so a Comer supporter brought out baskets to take up an offering.

Comer pivoted to his record, saying it has been an honor to serve the district. He touted his election as the top Republican on the Oversight Committee, and said he has the backs of working people in Kentucky. He said his primary objective is to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. Comer talked about working with the President to secure the border and deport criminal illegals, along with his support of the Save America Act, which would require identification and proof of citizenship to vote. He wrapped up by comparing the recent stances of the two parties and asked for votes to continue the work.

The general election comes up on Tuesday, November 3rd.

Story still to come covering the two Democratic candidates for Governor at Fancy Farm. Plus, we’ll discuss the weekend’s events on the Greg Dunker Show on Monday morning on SuperTalk 94.3 WKYX.

Williams photo screencaptured from FOX56 YouTube page