CULVERT CITY, Ky. (AP) — Three Republicans competing for the success of longtime Sen. Sen. Mitch McConnell have sought to define themselves before a political attack that could come Saturday when they shared the spotlight at a Fancy Farm picnic, a difficult rite of passage for candidates looking for Kentucky’s statewide office.
“I’ll hear the Barb tomorrow, but what I want to focus on is my vision to serve in the US Senate,” one of the candidates, Daniel Cameron, told the GOP crowd on Friday night.
Cameron’s rivals in Senate primary next year, Andy Barr and businessman Nate Morris used speeches at the event to introduce themselves to Republican voters in western Kentucky.
All three could potentially transition into attack mode with each other on Saturday afternoon at the Bluegrass State’s best political event, a Fancy Farm picnic. Politicians need to compete, at the sharpest, and sometimes the most strange, to land the Barb, screaming and stomping from rival supporters. With Democratic politicians skipping events most of the events, the picnic could turn into a Republican skirmish.
McConnell, the longest serving Senate leader in US history, was revealed on his 83rd birthday in February. He doesn’t ask for another term In Kentucky, you will retire at the end of your current term. His pending retirement set a fierce competition for his seat.
Warmed up for their appearance airing on statewide television at Fancy Farm, the three GOP rivals maintained one script they share.
Burr portrayed his council experience as an advantage that set him apart. He represents a district that stretches from the bluegrass region of central Kentucky to the hilly areas of Appalachia.
“I am the ‘American first’ fighter jet in the US Congress,” Barr said Friday night. “Other people like to talk about being a Trump guy or being with Trump. I’ve been with President Trump since day one. I’m not just talking about supporting President Trump. I did that. I’m continuing to do that.”
A glimpse into his political philosophy for voters is, “I am a man raised in the era of Ronald Reagan. I believe in limited government, free enterprise, and strong national defense.”
A tech entrepreneur, Morris portrayed himself as a populist and political outsider, trying to surrender himself to Trump’s popularity in Kentucky.
“What I saw with this president is that he focused on American workers,” Morris said Friday night. “And the people who were in Washington all this time – the elite – they sold out American workers.”
Morris also promoted his hard-line stance on immigration. He said he supports a suspension of immigration to the United States until he is now illegally expelled by the country.
Cameron, a black man, used his speech to oppose diversity, equity and inclusive efforts.
“We don’t need it… America built on Day,” Cameron said. “We need a country built in May. We need merit, excellence, intelligence.”
Cameron joined the Senate campaign with one distinct advantage. He was more aware of the statewide name than his rivals. Cameron served as state attorney general for one period, losing to Democrat Andy Besher in 2023, Governor Race.
“You’ve been with us in the past,” Cameron told the GOP group Friday night. “I hope you’re with us this time. We know that what happens in this seat will be echoing in this country, so we’re trying to get it done.”
