Local and regional media outlets have started reporting that Sen. Obama is seriously thinking of coming to the Fancy Farm picnic. The Fancy Farm picnic is an annual picnic that dates back about 130 years. It is one of the last of the old time political picnics left in the country. It is located in Fancy Farm, Kentucky, a very small town, quaint, scenic village, dominated by a large catholic church, nestled off the beaten path in the rolling hills of far western Kentucky. The history of the picnic can be found at http://www.fancyfarm.net/picnichistory.html. Many a firey political speech has been made there, and it's an historic event that has attracted big political names. It always gets a lot of media attention.

Obama would not be unwise to come to Fancy Farm. For one thing, it's become increasingly clear over the years that this part of the U.S. is good for media, because one appearance can get you media coverage in 5 states - Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and even Indiana.

Also, Kentucky I believe is going to be more up for grabs than most people are thinking right now. Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate minority leader, is up for re-election this year. He's been in a long time, and while his opponent, Bruce Lundsford, probably isn't a heck of a lot better, he would sit on the democratic side of the aisle in the Senate - which is the bottom line here.

Lundsford has deep pockets - um...he's really rich. So McConnell won't be able to just buy the election through advertising and travel. And with the bad economic conditions, and the war, all coming to fruition under McConnell's leadership, he has a lot to answer for. Based on recent polls, it is reported that Lundsford is within reach of an upset.

Western Kentucky had, up the Newt Gingrich "contract with america" republican surge in 1994, been strongly democratic. In fact, the 1st District congressional seat had been held by a democrat the entire history of the district until 1994. Since that time, the seat has been held by republican Ed Whitfield. But, that doesn't change the fact that the district is historically democratic.

Obama already drew a substantial crowd a couple from Western Kentucky a couple years ago, and got myriads of press coverage, when he held an open town meeting in Metropolis, Illinois, right across the river from Paducah. So, he is well known in Western Kentucky. His appearance here could make a difference. And, he would reach Missouri, an acknowledged swing state. He was in Cape Girardeau a couple months ago, but it was a private affair, and there was some consternation about that. He could help to repair some of the damage that the "not open for the public" appearance there did.

I recommend that he do it.