Despite Some No-Shows, Hot Political Topics to Draw Fancy Farm Crowd

The absence of some big names at this year’s Fancy Farm Picnic won’t dampen the excitement. That’s the prediction from political speaking chair Mark Wilson. Gov. Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson have bowed out, and so has U.S. Sen. Rand Paul.

Wilson said candidates for several local races will speak, as well as a Mitt Romney campaign representative, and a possible surrogate for President Barack Obama. Wilson said hot political topics will inspire firey stump speaking and draw a crowd.

“I think the biggest point of contention’s gonna be the healthcare act, either Obamacare or the Affordable Healthcare Act. That’s gonna be, I think, a very hot topic down here. And the economy. I mean, I’m hearing that from both sides. So I mean it’s gonna be a lot of heated debate on them subjects right there," said Wilson.

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has yet to confirm attendance. But Wilson noted McConnell typically does not RSVP until two or three days before the event. The picnic is Aug. 4.