Governor, First Lady & Edelen visit River Counties

(Clinton, KY Oct. 23, 2011) - Governor Beshear made a campaign swing through Clinton bringing his #1 cheerleader - Jane Beshear and candidate for Auditor Adam Edelen.

The Governor was greeted by over 80 wellwishers and public officials. County judges from Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman were in attendance. Mayors of Bardwell, Fulton and Columbus were also on hand with other elected officials and Democratic well wishers.

The Governor and First Lady exhorted the crowd to turn out on Election Day and not to take a victory lap before the race was over.  Candidate Adam Edelen admitted he was not born in West Kentucky, but was often in the Purchase - especially during duck hunting season, he joked.

Judge Greg Pruitt reminded the crowd that the Governor came to the River Counties to offer help during the catastrophic ice storm two years ago.

After his public remarks, the Governor was asked what he saw as the region's greatest problem. Predictably, he said "Jobs, jobs, jobs."

In response to a question about diversifying agriculture in the region, the Governor said the agricultural committee of the Executive branch is working on the issue.

The Port of Hickman was closed by low water last week, re-opening after rains to the north raised the water level enough to allow traffic to resume. The Port's closing came a few weeks after Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Ed Whitfield attended a meeting in Hickman about the Port's desperate need for dredging.  The Congressmen listened and had suggestions, but offered no immediate assistance. In the past, Congressman Whitfield used earmarks to fund dredging. He has since sworn off earmarking.

When asked what he could do to help the Port, the Governor said that he has been in contact with local officials and the Congressional delegation. The Port reopened when enough rain fell upriver to allow barges access to the Port.