Left out of Fancy Farm, Libertarians say they are nearing ballot access

Libertarian candidates for Senate and president will not be appearing at the annual Fancy Farm political speaking in western Kentucky this year, but not for lack of trying.

The campaign of Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Sonny Landham, of Ashland, dispatched a press release today announcing their request to secure a slot during the famous political forum had been denied by organizers.

A request for time for Libertarian presidential nominee, former U.S. Rep Bob Barr of Georgia, was also denied, according to Landham's release.

"With Congressional ratings at an all-time low and the voters of America crying out for a third option, it is disheartening to have such a fine institution and tradition as the Fancy Farm Picnic exclude these candidates from speaking to the voters of Kentucky," read the campaign release.

The Fancy Farm picnic is a Kentucky political tradition, and a veritable "must-visit" for western Kentucky and statewide candidates. Larry Keeling, of the Lexington Herald-Leader, reported today that U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) recently confirmed his attendance at the event while presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama (D-Ill.) may even be making the stop.

Landham and Barr are not yet officially on Kentucky ballots for the November general election. Such a status requires the submission of 5,000 petition signatures - per candidate - to the Secretary of State.

According to Libertarian Party of Kentucky Chairman Ken Moellman, both paid petitioners and volunteers are currently circulating petitions around the state, and the attainment of the requisite signatures is close at hand.

"We're about halfway there," said Moellman.

Moellman added he was collecting a "first round" of petitions this Friday, from which he expected at least 3,000 signatures.

A spokesman from Landham's campaign told PolitickerKY.com that they were confident they would obtain ballot access, and were seeking more than the required number to ensure that status.

"From what I have been told, we are closing in on the 5000 signatures necessary for ballot access, but, as usual, these campaigns have to get 25% more just to be safe," said Landham's campaign coordinator, Brian Houillion. "We will be on the ballot."

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