Kenny Colston (KPR)

Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson's assertion that the Fancy Farm picnic is no longer a relevant political event has inspired a growing backlash.

In remarks reported by CN2, Abramson dismissed the picnic, saying it's too rowdy. But Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, who emceed this year's event, says when statewide officials skip the picnic, as Abramson did this year, it hurts the church and community that put the event on.

"Fancy Farm just isn’t about politics, it’s a church charity event and it’s a huge economic draw for people in Western Kentucky,” Comer says.

Progressives are preparing a counter-protest to an upcoming Tea Party rally in Frankfort. Many Kentucky Tea Party chapters will join together in Frankfort next Tuesday to protest the Affordable Care Act. U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul are headlining the event.But those who support the healthcare law are planning to show up as well. A Facebook group suggests up to 40 people could turn out in protest of the Tea Party event. No state progressive groups have joined in at this point, though several attendees are members of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.

Kentucky Republicans are ramping up their campaign to take control of the state house in this year's elections.

The GOP has latched on to House Speaker Greg Stumbo's declaration that he will vote for President Barack Obama this fall.

Despite speculation of greater ambitions, U.S. Senator Rand Paul is likely to stay in his current position if Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is elected this fall.

U.S. Senator Rand Paul will continue to build his national profile with a speech at the Republican National Convention later this month.

A speaking slot at a convention is usually a springboard for wider national appeal. Senator Paul is a rumored running mate for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and a potential presidential candidate in 2016.

Unlike in years past, this year's Fancy Farm Picnic drew few elected officials. But that doesn't mean there weren't any fireworks. Kentucky Public Radio's Kenny Colston covered the picnic, and he sat down with KPR's Gabe Bullard to sum up the post-picnic chatter.

While not many Democrats showed up to speak at this year’s Fancy Farm picnic, one of the few who did unleashed a flurry of verbal assaults on the GOP. 

House Speaker Greg Stumbo spoke on behalf of Governor Steve Beshear. In his remarks, Stumbo blamed U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell for many of the nation’s problems. And he aimed his other taunts at Republicans at every level, from the statehouse to the top of the ticket, criticizing Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's business and tax returns.

Most of Kentucky's elected Democrats will skip this weekend's annual Fancy Farm picnic.

As of Wednesday, House Speaker Greg Stumbo is the only high profile Democrat scheduled to speak. Stumbo is filling in for the governor, who'’s on an economic development trip in Europe. Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson and the four remaining statewide elected Democratic officials are opting not to speak.

Most of Kentucky's elected Democrats will skip this weekend's annual Fancy Farm picnic.

As of Wednesday, House Speaker Greg Stumbo is the only high profile Democrat scheduled to speak. Stumbo is filling in for the governor, who’s on an economic development trip in Europe. Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson and the four remaining statewide elected Democratic officials are opting not to speak.

The push to add support for gay marriage to the national Democratic platform this year is unlikely to affect elected officials in Kentucky.

Following President Barack Obama's recent statement in support of same-sex marriage, political observers expect the party to change the platform at this year's Democratic convention.