Democratic candidates make their case in Bowling Green
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — The Warren County Democratic Party brought supporters and statewide candidates together Thursday night for a sold-out Democracy Dinner in Bowling Green, using the event to build enthusiasm ahead of the Nov. 3 general election while two Democrats also made their case for Kentucky governor.
U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Rocky Adkins at the event. Coleman and Adkins are both running for governor.
Sold-out crowd kicks off election push
Warren County Democratic Party Chair Patti Minter said the turnout reflected what she sees as growing interest in getting involved as election season moves forward.
“Tonight is a sold out dinner. And it’s because people really do believe in democracy. And they want to come together with our community and be with liked minded people and kick off the election season to make sure that we get folks across the finish line. Stand up and show up for the people of this community,” Minter said.
Minter said voters she has spoken with want to be part of the political process. Among the issues she said are coming up in those conversations are gas prices, the cost of living and affordable housing.
Booker looks beyond party lines
Booker, who is running for U.S. Senate, addressed how he plans to appeal to Republicans and conservatives in a state where Democrats face challenges at the national level.
“We have so much more in common than anything that would ever divide us. And one thing is for sure, whether you Democrat, Republican or independent, we’re all being screwed by the status quo in Washington that will give handouts to Elon Musk and give working people of Kentucky the middle finger,” Booker said.
He said his campaign is focusing on issues rather than political labels and argued that voters from different political backgrounds share many of the same concerns.
Coleman, Adkins address Democratic primary
The dinner also brought Coleman and Adkins under the same roof as both campaign for governor.
Asked how two members of the same party can compete for the job without allowing the primary to become divisive, Coleman compared the race to two people interviewing for the same position.
“Well, listen, two people can want the same job and and get along while they interview for it, right? And that’s essentially what this is,” Coleman said. “But what I will simply say is it’s time for a new generation of leadership in Kentucky. People are hungry for that. It’s what I hear from folks all across the state.”
Coleman also cited her background in education as part of the case she is making to voters. She said educators see firsthand issues affecting families including children coming to school hungry.
Adkins emphasizes experience
Adkins answered the same question about keeping the Democratic primary from becoming divisive by saying he intends to focus on his own record and plans for the state.
“Well, I plan to run a clean campaign. I plan on talking about my vision for Kentucky,” Adkins said. “You know, my 33 years in the Kentucky House of Representatives, 14 of those years were as majority leader in the House and the other three were for minority leader, so much of my time in my 33 years were in leadership positions.”
Adkins also pointed to his time as a senior adviser to Gov. Andy Beshear, saying the experience put him in the room for difficult decisions as well as economic development announcements.
Looking ahead to Election Day
With only 39 days until the Nov. 3 general election, Warren County Democratic Party leaders said the message coming out of the sold-out dinner is to take that enthusiasm with them to the polls.
