Republican Senate hopefuls together for first time in Marshall County ahead of Fancy Farm

The three Republican frontrunners for the seat to be vacated by Mitch McConnell were all in the same room for the first time at the  Night Before Fancy Farm Dinner in Calvert City.

Sixth District Congressman Andy Barr, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and Lexington businessman Nate Morris all joined the Marshall County Republicans in the Fancy Farm tune-up. Cameron and Barr used the opportunity to talk about why they want to serve and discussed their respective visions for Kentucky.

The two spoke of family, of their children, and wanting to leave a better Kentucky and nation for them. Both talked about supporting the work of President Trump.

Barr spoke directly about western Kentucky and his desire to see all forms of energy embraced, noting the coal fields of the Pennyrile and the hydro and nuclear prospects of the Purchase.  

Cameron hit on his desire for change from the diversity, equity, and inclusion policies of the previous administration and a return to what he calls “MEI”, merit, excellence, and intelligence. He also spoke about Kentucky returning to prominence in the energy sector, highlighting coal and natural gas production.

After telling his personal story, Morris did have one of the more clever lines of the night, saying thought Washington need a “trash man” to clean up the mess. However,  while Barr and Cameron didn’t address each other directly, Morris took the only shots of the night. He expressed disappointment with Senator McConnell. He also pointed to links the two men have with the Senator, accusing Barr and Cameron of wanting to be “Mitch 2.0”. The comments prompted one man to challenge Morris, pointing out that McConnell was not on the ballot.

The demeanor of Morris changed somewhat, signalling that the gloves will likely come off at Fancy Farm. With a long way to go in the campaign, it will be interesting for political observers to see what direction the rhetoric takes.