Even Democrats who inhabit the eight-county Jackson Purchase admit, however reluctantly, that Kentucky’s westernmost region is Trump territory.
He romped in the region and statewide in 2016 and four years ago. Trump will almost certainly make it a three-peat next month.
But Dems seem to be closing the enthusiasm gap with the MAGA faithful, which is maybe most visibly reflected in yard signs.
Last month, Forward Kentucky reported that at least 550 Harris-Walz signs had been handed out, were ready for distribution, or were on order from different sources. The number continues to climb, according to local Dems. (If you live in the Purchase or the western Pennyrile and want a sign, phone or text (662) 322-2328 or (270) 293-9041.)
“Clinton for president yard signs were rare in 2016 and so were Biden signs in 2020,” said a veteran western Kentucky Democratic activist. “This is amazing.”
Yet Trump-Vance signs still outnumber Harris-Walz in rural areas of mostly-non urban Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, and McCracken counties. The same is likely true statewide.
But local Dems are happy to report that Harris-Walz signs are profuse in Paducah, the McCracken County seat, and Murray, the seat of Calloway County.
While yard signs don’t always mirror candidate strength, they can reflect grassroots ardor.
“I get excited every time I see a sign in somebody’s yard,” said Kiesha Curry of Paducah, the McCracken County chair. “I am so happy we were able to get rid of so many signs in a good way.”
Vonnie Hays-Adams, Calloway county chair, said her committee “is so encouraged to be a part of the excitement around these candidates and what they mean for the future of our country. We have found that so many people are eager to be a part of a campaign of hope and love for our fellowman and put the hateful rhetoric and division behind us. We are just ‘doing’ something.”
Meanwhile, online sales of Harris-Walz merchandise at Kentucky Democratic Party headquarters in Frankfort have "been off the charts, especially since we returned from the Democratic National Convention,” said Jonathan Levin, KDP communications director. “Not including the thousands of orders that have been sold by local county parties in Kentucky and the Harris-Walz campaign, KDP has already sold over 200 signs, shirts, and other gear to Kentuckians in every corner of our Commonwealth.”
KDP HQ is “getting a ton of calls” from Kentuckians also wanting “Vote No on Amendment 2” yard signs, according to an email Kenny Fogle, the party’s deputy political director, sent to county party officials. (Such signs are hot commodities in the Purchase, too.)
This story has the locations and schedules where you can get your “Vote No 0n 2” signs.
“Signs don’t vote” is true – but they sure show a growing Dem/progressive presence in western Kentucky!
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