Kentucky politicians set to face-off at 146th Fancy Farm Picnic

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

The fancy farm picnic is always a place where plenty of food and even more politics are served. As races for various offices shape up, this year’s picnic will be no exception.

Fifteen politicians are scheduled to speak to a rowdy crowd of passionate supporters. With 19,000 pounds of pork and mutton on hand, speeches prepared, and hopefuls considering a run for office, this Kentucky political tradition is, again, shaping up to be more than your average church picnic.

University of Kentucky political science professor Stephen Voss says politicians vying for office will look to shine on stage.

Candidates for U.S. Senate, Republican Andy Barr and democrat Charles Booker will make back-to-back speeches. Kentucky party candidate Christopher Campbell will also take the mic, making for a rare moment at the historically two-party event.

“The presence of the third-party candidate at Fancy Farm does raise the possibility of a wild card, some kind of random and unexpected event of a sort that more scripted Fancy Farms haven’t had,” Voss said.

The event is also a preview of next year’s gubernatorial race. On the democratic side, two candidates who’ve been a part of the Beshear administration are scheduled to speak. Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and former Beshear advisor Rocky Adkins.

While no prominent republican has announced, that could change at the event.
Secretary of state Michael Adams told WLKY last week he was considering announcing during his speech. If so, it would take place in Congressman James Comer’s district.

“I don’t know that he’ll want to announce his candidacy in western Kentucky, which is Comer’s backyard, but you never know. Sometimes candidates like to pull surprises,” Voss said.

Comer is another potential republican gubernatorial contender on the list to speak.

“The best thing comer could do for himself is scare off other Republicans who might be considering a gubernatorial run,” Voss said.

This year it’s not just who will be on stage that’s drawing attention, but who won’t be there.
After attending the event for decades, Sen. Mitch McConnell announced he’ll miss the picnic as he continues to receive medical care.

Voss says his absence underscores his health problems but also his decreased relevancy in the era of Trump’s republican party.

“Everyone understands we’re nearing the end of McConnell’s dynasty, the end of McConnell’s career. The fact he’s not going to be able to go to Fancy Farm just adds a punctuation mark to him being on his final victory lap,” Voss said.

Voss suspects republicans won’t bring up the senator’s absence while democrats could use it as ammunition.

Another notable politician that won’t take the stage, Gov. Andy Beshear, who says he’ll be attending his son’s baseball tournament instead. His absence could be an indication he’s moved on to higher things, Voss says.

“Fancy Farm’s event is for Kentucky voters for the Commonwealth. Andy Beshear seems to have his sights set a little more broadly these days,” Voss said.

Regardless of the political jabs, Fancy Farm Political Chairman Steven Elder says the event is unique in its ability to bring people with different political perspectives to the same place.

“Fancy Farm provides that opportunity for both sides get their message out and build the grassroots supporters,” Elder said. “We do it in a very fun, family friendly way here in Fancy Farm.”