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Kentucky Campaigns Continue As Elections Draw Closer

By Stu Johnson/KPR

Murray, KY – Traditionally, the political season begins with Labor Day. But, that's changing. Political ads are now common in the summer. Governor Steve Beshear launched a new one just before the holiday. Republican challenger David Williams is also advertising. These days, Transylvania University political scientist Don Dugi says campaigns start whenever the candidate things the timing is right.

"The old idea that local elections, by that, I mean state elections should begin after Labor Day is lost. Anymore people begin whenever they wish," said Dugi.

Kentuckians have watched campaign commercials all summer. Dugi says it would be nice to have certain time limits on campaigns, but he doesn't look for that to happen.

"Ideally, it would be nice to have a limited time for campaigning. But, how could you realistically enforce that. I mean, I'd like to see a 30 day limit on campaigning, but there's no realistic way to enforce that as far as I can tell," added Dugi.

Dugi says it's hard to say if voter fatigue will come into play this fall. He expects voter turnout this fall will to struggle to make 40 percent.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.