Hey all! So sorry I haven't posted about the event before now! But let's get right to it!
Needless to say, it was an amazing time! Eric, Ash, and I had a quick and easy car ride to the Carrick house in Lexington. Even had an easy time parking about a half a block from the event. When we walked in we were greeted by smiling volunteers who placed stickers on us (they gave me two without me asking, I guess I'm the obvious politico!). Now when we arrived, about an hour before event time, there weren't too terribly many people there, an obvious sign that you are at an early campaign event. So we meandered around for a bit between a couple of tents where we collected signs, signed up for campaign information, and I even bought some merchandise and donated (for the 3rd time, call me a sucker). So between the merch and donations, I have donated about $75. After all of that, we proceeded to take our seats, and began to play the waiting game.
After about 45 minutes of waiting, the crowd was greeted by KY House Speaker Greg Stumbo, who was the sort of unofficial "master of ceremonies". First the crowd got to watch, and if you haven't watched it yet please do, "The Campaign Begins". After it was over and I heard the RESOUNDING applause, I realized I was a part of something special. I turned and saw that the small group of a couple hundred supporters had turned into a mass that covered almost the entire front yard of the Carrick House. I saw coal workers in their uniforms, teachers (wearing shirts of their schools/districts), African Americans, Latinos, whites, seniors, college students, young children, men, women, and even a couple rainbow flags. It was the kind of sight that really represents Democratic politics. The Democratic coalition was united that day.
After watching a couple of endorsement videos by Representative Yarmuth and President Clinton, we got to hear from Grimes' family and political allies including a letter from Senator Wendell Ford, the last Democrat to be elected to the Senate from KY. After hearing from another sister, we got to hear from the woman that "Mitch should be most scared of": Grimes' Grandmother Elsie. Now, I love this woman first off. She is the woman who will speak her mind and take no nonsense! And yet, she spoke so proudly of her granddaughter. And was shaking with energy as she said Alison would be the first woman that KY will send to the Senate.
That's when the bus pulled up!!! And as a country singer from Eastern KY sang the song "Kentucky Woman" Alison got off the bus and walked through the crowd flanked by Governor Beshear and her husband. Now if you don't pay attention to KY politics (don't worry, I barely do. I'm more of a federal politics guy), then here is the significance in Beshear being there. Alison's father and Beshear are rivals within the Democratic party, but his presence at the event shows a united Democratic party. After a short introduction by Beshear, we got to hear from Grimes herself.
Now, her 17 minute speech said many things and I really hope you will watch, but her speech had two memorable features. First, she presented herself as a fresh face that will work in a bipartisan fashion to get work done for KY. She presented McConnell as the opposite, someone who has been in the Senate for 30 years and become wrapped up in special interests. Second, she presented herself as a Clinton Democrat. She is a more moderate Democratic candidate, who disagrees with both President Obama and Senator McConnell, but that is to be expected since she is between them politically. However, she stated plainly that we should continue to invest in the middle class and grow our economy and energy production from the middle out. Please watch the video. It really will give great information on her views. All in all, the event was Pro-Grimes, not Anti-McConnell, which is a great, positive start to a campaign that will be going to experience a hard and potentially nasty opposition. It was seriously one of the greatest times I've had and proud that my first political event was for such a great candidate. Also, I'm working on introducing Eric to political jargon and proceedings, and it has been so easy with a candidate like Grimes. She has him, a political newcomer, energized about her campaign I hope you all read up on her! I've posted some more interesting links below and there will be no short read this week because I really do want you all to explore her website and visit the other links. Also, if you live in other states, check out moderate Democrats who may be running for Senate. Especially the aunt Diane and her family down in Georgia! I hope Michelle Nunn gets four votes from that household! ;) As for the rest of you here in KY, until next time, give life, and DEFINITEY ALISON LUNDERGAN GRIMES a deeper read.
Full speech
Clinton's Message (I really like this one!)
Yarmuth message
WHAS coverage (Watch for Grandma Elsie!!!! <3)
WDRB coverage
Campaign Website (Donate or buy some merch! Any little bit matters!)
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