|
Donna Mayfield speaks at a rally hosted by the Clark County Republicans. Congressional candidate Andy Barr looks on in the background. (James Mann/jmann@winchestersun.com / November 2, 2012) |
Republicans were not short of confidence Thursday at a rally in front of the Clark County Courthouse.
Clark County Republican Party Chairman Bob Mayfield predicted a Republican victory in the race for state representative between his wife, incumbent Donna Mayfield, and Clark County Commissioner JoEllen Reed. He complimented her campaign efforts — “I’ve been eating cold this, cold that” — and praised her efforts in Frankfort.
The event was staged by local Republicans to draw support for Donna Mayfield and Andy Barr, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Ben Chandler in the 6th District congressional race.
Donna Mayfield said she was “honored to represent Clark and Madison counties,” but expressed dismay over the situation in Frankfort.
“I’ve spent two years up there watching our state drown in debt,” she said.
Since her campaign first began two years ago, Mayfield has pledged more fiscal responsibility in state government. She called for an end to taxes and regulations that are “strangling businesses” and promised a government that is “hard working for the people.”
Donna Mayfield also introduced Barr, calling him “our next Congressman” while audience members clapped and cheered.
“We know him, we love him, we voted for him big last time,” Mayfield said of Barr.
Like the Mayfields, Barr spoke confidently about victory Tuesday, thanking voters for their support.
“This is an exciting time. We are winning this campaign,” Barr said. “We are running hard. We are going to run to victory.”
Echoing statements made throughout his campaign, including the Clark County Candidates Forum last week, Barr pledged his support for coal, and lamented the loss of the “American dream.”
“People ask me why am I¿talking about coal so much. Because coal provides jobs. To be an advocate for Kentucky, you’ve got to fight for the men and women in our coal mines,” Barr said.
According to Barr, 10 percent of the American people trust the government “to do the right thing.” He pledged to build confidence in the federal government and “return power back to ... the American people.”
“If you don’t like what’s going on in Washington, if you don’t like the gridlock ... the best thing you can do is replace your congressman in Kentucky,” Barr said.
When asked if they believed the next generation would be better off than they are, only one audience member raised a hand. Barr said he asks the question at all his campaign stops, and rarely receives a positive response.
“Now is the time to redouble our efforts to return to our founding principles,” Barr said.
The Barr campaign bus will be at the Winchester McDonald’s on Monday at 7:15 a.m., his final stop in Clark County before the election.
