This year’s Fancy Farm was a one-sided picnic.
There were no Democratic speakers at the annual event in Graves County that marks the traditional start of the campaign season in Kentucky.
Governor Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman did not attend, noting the rise in COVID-19 cases in the state and because there are no elections this year.
Republican State Auditor Mike Harmon, who is running for governor in 2023, criticized Beshear for his handling of the pandemic.
Ag. Commissioner Ryan Quarles is also a potential candidate for governor and also took aim at Beshear.
Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron joined Harmon and Quarles in attacking Beshear, reminding that state police was used to patrol church parking lots in parts of Kentucky on Easter Sunday of last year when churches were ordered to not hold in-person services.
The Republicans also encouraged Kentuckians to re-elect U.S. Senator Rand Paul during in 2022 when he will likely face Democrat Charles Booker.