"Kentucky governor's aid to storm-ravaged towns threatens GOP stronghold in rural areas"
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's efforts to help storm-ravaged towns, such as Mayfield, rebuild after tornadoes and floods could potentially dilute the Republican advantage in rural areas and play a key role in his bid for reelection. While some storm survivors appreciate Beshear's response and view him as a consoler-in-chief, others criticize the slow pace of recovery. Republican candidate Daniel Cameron is relying on rural voters to secure victory in a state that has become a GOP stronghold in recent years. Beshear's focus on disaster-stricken areas and economic development during his term is aimed at shrinking the GOP's rural margins and running strongest in cities and suburbs.