A crowd came out to the Jessamine County Democrat’s Rally Thursday, April 19, at the Blue Building in the city/county park, an event that was designed to bring voters and candidates together.

Organizers said the rally was an opportunity for voters to see where the Democratic candidates stood on issues, for candidates to get to know the voters and for all to talk about why they are proud to be Democrats.

Lee Walker, member of the Jessamine County Democrats and chairperson for the event planning subcommittee, put out a strong call to action to those in attendance: “Support your Democratic candidates, show up, and be sure to vote in May and November!”

Democratic candidates running for offices ranging from county judge-executive, magistrates, city commissioners and all the way up to U.S. Congress in both the 6th and 2nd Congressional Districts came out to meet with voters, enjoy some chili and hot dogs, and listen to live music performed by the band, Country Memories.

State Rep. Russ Meyer got the crowd fired up when he called out Gov. Matt Bevin for his attacks on school teachers, state employees, first responders and working families. The crowd continued to show its support as they booed the anti-teacher agenda many believe Bevin is pushing.

The moment was carried by Carolyn Dupont, running against state Sen. Tom Buford, when she questioned the motives of her opponent who voted for the budget and then against funding it, as well as his past record of voting on charter schools.

“There’s an energy here. People are angry. Their families are under attack by the Bevin administration and the GOP leadership in Frankfort and people just aren’t going to take it anymore,” said Greg Welch, vice-chair of the Jessamine County Democrats. “People are more determined than ever to see positive changes in Frankfort. They’re going to vote like their futures depend on it — Because frankly, it does.”

An appearance by Amy McGrath, who is running for U.S. Congress, got the crowd excited.

McGrath talked about her agenda and what she would like to do for local teachers on the federal level. She also spoke about how she would like to help bolster job growth in rural counties with high speed Internet and better access to the world.

Hank Linderman, running for U.S. Congress in the 2nd district, followed up, sharing the same belief as McGrath that more can and should be done to make health care more affordable and easier to access for everyone.

“We had a great time at the Jessamine Democratic Rally,” said Mike Cassidy, candidate for Jessamine County Judge-Executive. “Plenty of awesome candidates with great ideas to move our county and our State forward. Great to see so many old friends and meet some new ones that are excited about our campaign and the message of the Jessamine County Democratic Party.”

Ruby Mason, chairperson of the Jessamine County Democrats, closed the event by offering motivating words, quoting Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A” and with a word of prayer.