2007 Election Analysis and Looking Ahead

37.3% Voter Turnout Statewide (Compared to 40.1% in 2003, the last Gubernatorial Election).

Kentuckians Elected 4 Democrats and 2 Republicans to statewide constitutional offices.

Huge margins all around – 14.2%-28% margins.  It’s interesting that the margins were so very large and yet both Republicans and Democrats won offices.

Because this Election was watched so closely nationally, money, organizations, and efforts poured into the state from across the US, often manifesting in negative attack adds, automated "roboâ€ calls to voters, and organizations mis-representing themselves (for example, robo calls from an organization pretending to be the Fairness Campaign).  We can expect these trends to continue into next year’s Election cycle because of the high profile of the Senate Race. 

Victories by Representative Carolyn Belcher (elected Bourbon County judge executive) and Senator Daniel Mongiardo (elected Lt. Governor) have left the 72nd Representative District (Bath, Bourbon, Fayette, Nicholas) and the 30th Senate District (Rep Bell, Harlan, Leslie, Perry) vacant, pending a special election.  These elections have to take place at least 35 days from the day they are set.  The Election for the 72nd District has been set for January 8th.  January 15th seems to be a likely date for the special election in the 30th, but we’ll know for sure later. 

Next Year’s 2008 election cycle will be even bigger.  With Mitch McConnell’s US Senate seat up in addition to all State Representative districts being up for election, all odd numbered State Senate seats, and a Presidential Election, we can expect a lot of action and room for Voter Empowerment organizing.