At least five state-level Democratic candidates planned to attend the Daviess County Democratic Party’s 50th annual Democratic Picnic and Wendell H. Ford Dinner at the Youngman Readiness Center or former Kentucky National Guard Armory on Saturday. When event officials contacted the Youngman Center this week they were informed the facility had never been booked.
Donna Haynes, chair of the Daviess County Democratic Party, said that she is really upset about how this was handled. She said that on several occasions Kaye Castlen, chairman of the picnic, had been to the Armory, even checking to make sure that the ice machine that didn’t work last year was fixed.
“We were flabbergasted,” Haynes said. “They sold us a bill of goods.”
Candidates that were confirmed to be at the picnic were Greg Stumbo, candidate for attorney general; Heather French Henry, secretary of state candidate; Jacqueline Coleman, candidate for lieutenant governor; Sheri Donahue, candidate for auditor and Robert Conway, candidate for agriculture commissioner. Each was to give a short speech.
Haynes said she and her team have contacted all of the nominees to inform them that the event has been canceled. Beshear’s office said that they are coordinating efforts to be at the Wendell H. Ford Democratic Rally on Nov. 2 rally that will be held to honor Ford and rally Democrats the week of the election. Henry plans to be there as well.
“I am so sorry for anyone who planned to come,” Haynes said. “I hate that we can’t honor Wendell Ford. This should not happen to this man here.”
The Nov. 2 event will likely be held at a local park and hamburgers and hot dogs will be served, Haynes said.
Haynes said they are unsure if the auction that was scheduled to be part of this event will be part of the rally in November. Proceeds from past picnics are used to help maintain the democratic headquarters, said Russ Wilkey, past chair of the Daviess County Democratic Party.
Haynes said that now is the perfect time to get people involved in the Democratic Party and the canceling of this event is bad timing.
“We need more people to be involved,” Haynes said.
Haynes said more information about an upcoming non-partisan candidate forum for people that are thinking about running will be announced on the Daviess County Democratic Party Facebook page. This event will be held at a non-partisan location.
“We are trying to rally the faithful and get them on board,” Wilkey said.
The following message is posted on the Daviess County Democratic Party’s Facebook page: “If you have not heard from us by this Saturday and would like a refund, please contact us at headquarters: 270-691-6404. Or we would be grateful if you donated the cost of your tickets to our local Democratic party.”
