Hillary Clinton HQ up and running in Louisville

(L-R) Jerry Lundergan, Rep. Joni Jenkins, Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh

Senator Hillary Clinton’s Presidential campaign opened the doors on a Kentucky headquarters Wednesday evening, thirty four days before the Commonwealth’s May 20 primary. Around 100 supporters turned out to the see the Louisville office officially get designation as the nerve center for Clinton's Kentucky operations.

After a ribbon cutting ceremony, state campaign Chairman Jerry Lundergan spoke to the crowd and introduced staff. Lundergan reiterated remarks made at earlier Clinton campaign events, claiming Senator Clinton played an important role in rebuilding the state Democratic party earlier this decade.

“We now have almost 70 percent of county elected officials that are Democrats. In Jefferson County, we have 15 state House members, one state Senate member, and one Democratic Congressman,” said Lundergan. “This happened for two reasons. Your own help reorganizing Kentucky on the precint level and, two, Hillary Clinton came here when nobody would come and helped us raise money.”

Jerry Lundergan at the podium

Lundergan also said the Clinton organization would quickly expand across the Commonwealth. “We are going to open up offices in Lexington, Pikeville, Ashland, Covington, Bowling Green, and Paducah,” said Lundergan. “We almost have a county chair in every county in Kentucky.”

The presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama plans to have its seventh office open in the state next week.

“This is only the beginning. The Clintons have promised me they will be in Kentucky immediately after the Indiana primary on a very regular basis. They may even take up permanent residence here,” Lundergan said. “When Kentucky is over, we will put Hillary ahead in the popular vote without Florida and without Michigan.”

Lundergan also introduced the campaign's two state co-chairs: Representative Joni Jenkins (D-Shivley) and Louisville Metro Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh, of the 9th District.

Councilwoman Ward-Pugh told the crowd the campaign’s move into Louisville was a good sign for Senator Clinton’s chances. “By opening up a headquarters here, it means she is still in this race,” said Ward-Pugh. “This is Kentucky, and this is racing season. The finish line isn’t here yet.” (L-R)Rep. Joni Jenkins, Heather French Henry

Lundergan, Jenkins, and Ward-Pugh were also joined on stage by Heather French Henry, a former Miss America contest winner and wife of former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Steve Henry.

Staff taking shape

Clinton staff said the campaign’s full-time operation in the Commonwealth integrated existing supporters quickly. “We really hit the ground running,” said Jamie Radice, the campaign’s Kentucky communications director. “We are already plugged into volunteer organizations.” Also on staff for the Clinton campaign in the state is Elizabeth Cantrell, who will serve as Kentucky political director. For the four weeks leading up to the primary, the Clinton campaign staff will be temporarily joined by Democratic House Caucus Director Jonathan Hurst.

A handful of elected officials were in the crowd at Wednesday’s opening. Among them were Louisville Metro Councilman Jim King, of District 10, and State Representative Thomas Burch (D-Louisville). Burch will serve as a co-chair for Clinton’s campaign in Jefferson County.

Kentucky Democratic Party Chairwoman Jennifer Moore was also in attendance at the Louisville HQ opening, as she was for the opening of the Louisville Obama headquarters on March 29.

Moore is a Democratic superdelegate, but has yet to commit to a candidate.

Representatives from the campaigns of Democratic Senate candidates Mike Cassaro, Bruce Lunsford, and Greg Fischer were present around the Clinton headquarters attempting to rally support for their respective candidates.

RELATED: Burch: ‘Clinton and Obama are being too nice to each other’

RELATED: Burch wonders if Obama bought Yarnuth’s superdelegate vote