Beshear says Obama has work to do in Kentucky

Gov. Steve BeshearPHILADELPHIA -- Though U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign has said it has the potential to perform strongly in traditionally red-leaning areas, Kentucky’s Democratic governor today suggested that Obama (D-Ill.) had work to do in his state.

“I think Obama’s main challenge for Kentucky is just to get better known to our people. He really hasn’t been to Kentucky to speak or to campaign,” Gov. Steve Beshear said when asked of the nominee’s ability to make inroads in the Bluegrass State.

“I’m hopeful we can get him there several times this fall so that people will see him up close and personal. And when they do, they’re going to be impressed with him and when they’re impressed with him they’re going to vote for him.”

U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) defeated Obama in the state’s May 20 primary by a 65 percent-30 percent margin. Obama spent over $200,000 in the Kentucky primary – nearly as much as Clinton – though he was noticeably absent on the campaign trail.

A June Rasmussen poll of Kentucky voters conducted after the completion of the primary process showed presumptive Republican nominee John McCain with a commanding 51 percent to 35 percent lead over Obama. Those numbers are slightly narrower than May’s Rasmussen survey which had McCain ahead by a 57 percent to 32 percent margin.

Beshear, who is in his first term as governor, endorsed Obama shortly before the nominating process came to a close in early June. Beshear has suggested that Obama select Clinton as his running mate.

Beshear was in Philadelphia Saturday for to attend the National Governors Association conference, a gathering of the nation’s current and former state chief executive officers.

He wasn’t the only Democrat in attendance who said Obama had work ahead of him.

“It’s going well, but there’s a lot of work to do,” Michael Dukakis, a former Massachusetts governor and presidential nominee, said while ducking into a private lunch with his wife, Kitty.