Shawn Dixon September 24th, 2008

As a West Kentuckian, I always like when the politicos pay attention to the happenings in our end of the state. I’ve always argued that Democrats can be competitive there; but the first part of being competitive is showing up.

I was browsing the West Kentucky Journal of Politics today and noticed they are reporting that Dem Party Chair Jennifer Moore will be at a five county Democratic Party rally this weekend that will feature Heather Ryan, Democratic congressional candidate for the first district. Also, next week, Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo will be in my home county of Hickman making a visit to the small town of Clinton.

I think it is significant that with just over a month to go until voters go to the polls KY Democratic Party leaders are spending time in the western part of the state. Even more encouraging, the Party leaders aren’t just showing up to ride in a parade in Paducah, they’re actually going into the small towns and rural communities that make up the majority voting bloc in West Kentucky. When you show up, listen and pay attention to these small town voters we respond at the polls. I have no idea the last time that Mitch McConnell has actually visited any of these small towns. I know Ed Whitfield will show up from time to time in an election year for a photo-op with an oversized check, but he certainly doesn’t hang around and talk with voters like Mongiardo, Ryan and Moore plan on doing.

Glad to see the Democrats putting time in Western Kentucky. I hope this signals an important shift for Kentucky politicos.

• Mitch McConnell
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