In Kentucky politics, one of the major election year events is the Fancy Farm barbecue picnic. Like Virginia's Shad Planking, it draws elected officials out for a rough and tumble, old-fashioned rally. Rethuglican Kentucky Sen. and human-turtle hybrid Mitch "Missy" McConnell is facing a tough race against Dem Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, and when both showed up at the Fancy Farm event on Saturday, most observers called it a big win for Grimes, who zinged Missy repeatedly for his 30 years in Washington.
Looking at the race as it stands today, with Missy holding a statistically insignificant lead over Grimes, the contest may be decided by voter turnout. Normally, in an off-Presidential election year, that favors Rethugs, but after Missy's bitter primary against teabagger challenger Matt Bevin, extremist teatards upset over Bevin's defeat may decide to stay home. That's the reason Missy's trying to tie Grimes to President Obama -- the teatards' mortal enemy. To counter, Grimes has enlisted the support of former President Bill Clinton, who remains popular in Kentucky, and if Dems turn out the vote, and Kentucky teatards stay home sulking, it may be a long night for Missy.
(photo: Alison Lundergan Grimes at Fancy Farm, KY by W. McNamee, Getty Images)
