2 days ago
Owensboro to host state Democrats
Daviess County has been solidly red in recent election cycles.
However, it will see a significant influx of blue this weekend when the Owensboro Convention Center hosts the 2025 State Democratic Convention, which is expected to draw several hundred delegates from across the state.
'It's really huge,' said Larry Miller, chair of the Daviess County Democratic Party, on the event coming to Owensboro. 'It's really a reflection on Owensboro and the reputation that we have here for hospitality and the convention center being able to handle all of the delegates that will be here.'
The convention, which runs through Saturday, opens with a Forward Together Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday that's open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at
The dinner's keynote speaker will be Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin. He formerly led the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
'He was kind of an outsider for that (position),' Miller said. 'I think the establishment in Washington, I think there were thoughts that we needed to shift the leadership maybe out of Washington and be more represented by the middle of the country. So I think he's somebody that's maybe more tied to everyday Democrats and more aware of the individual needs of the citizens.
'So he kind of overcame the establishment and came in as ready to be more of a fighter.'
Miller said it's important the Democratic Party remains focused about the issues that it has always stood for.
'In the past, the history of the Democratic Party has been programs that help everybody, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security,' Miller said. 'That right now is a priority of the Democrats, whereas I really don't think you hear Republicans talking about strengthening those programs.
'In fact, in this budget bill, it's going to be taking money away from the safety net.'
Gov. Andy Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and other Democratic leaders will also attend the dinner.
On Saturday, the convention begins at 9:30 a.m. and Martin will again deliver a keynote address. A vote will also be held to elect state leadership.
Miller said Democrats are coming into the convention feeling good about their political future.
'As far as I'm concerned, even though we're really concerned about a lot of this overreach and unwise interventions, and there is a lot of that going on in the country, but we're really thinking that the future looks better for the Democrats, not just because of what's going on, but we really do feel like the issues that are important to people, healthcare, jobs, economy, those kinds of things, are things that the Democrats are very clear about emphasizing.'
