Senator Barack Obama made a swing through the Bluegrass yesterday, Sunday August 26, at Heritage Hall at the Lexington Convention Center. This was his second trip to Kentucky to raise funds for the presidential, the first was in Louisville in February. Both of his visits have included a $25 event in addition to the traditional high dollar dinner/reception.
Obama is the #1 presidential fund-raiser in Kentucky through June 30, an amazing feat given a state that went for Bush the last two elections. Jump with me to hear about this incredible event, watch the speech on You Tube and hear some great news for all Dems in Kentucky.
Obama rocked the place starting at about 5:30 last night. There was a packed crowd of 2200 that he inspired to be "fired-up" and "ready to go", and huge lines to buy tee shirts, bumper stickers and other gear. The latest addition to his gear line are "Got Hope?" tee shirts and bumper stickers...a huge seller. Check out this short video, thanks to our very own Hillbilly Report for a flavor of his speech.
Obama is amazingly popular in this very red state that has been swept up in the southern jump to Republicans over social issues. Although the state went for Clinton both times, most recently it went for Bush in 2000 and 2004. Do these numbers on the FEC website bode well for Dems in Kentucky? I would have to think so!!
Democratic Presidental Candidates have taken in $846,542 and Repubs have taken in only $218,650. Obama is the number one candidate at $334,462, followed by Clinton at $289,836. Edwards trails at $147,187. However, the top Republican is Mitt Romney at a mere $117,470 and then you drop to Guiliani at $43,095. Keep in mind we are smack dab in the middle of a very contentious gubernatorial right now too, with Steve Beshear (D) vs. the incumbent Ernie Fletcher (R). Fletcher has been a disaster for the state of Kentucky, and this race is Beshear's to lose, so do these presidential numbers mean the Republicans are just too disgusted to get involved?
Here's hoping!