Lies, license plates and Bud Light: Here are zingers from the Fancy Farm political picnic

FANCY FARM, Ky. -- They came, they saw, they tried their best.

Kentucky politicians and political candidates once again descended upon west Kentucky on Saturday for the annual political speaking event at Fancy Farm - a church picnic that has become the informal kickoff to Kentucky's general election season.

Political speakers get a few minutes to address a rowdy crowd of devotees and hecklers, often trying to deliver a cross between a traditional campaign stump speech and a roast of their political opponents.

Here are a few of the top zingers delivered by Kentucky politicians and political candidates (and, for fair measure, this year's emcee) at Fancy Farm 2023.

David Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues and this year’s Fancy Farm emcee

“You know, they asked me, ‘Do you know any political jokes?’ Well, I’ve met a few along the way.”

Sen. Mitch McConnell

The minority leader, who had a momentary health scare last week, went after Gov. Andy Beshear's orders preventing church gatherings during the COVID pandemic. He thanked state police for keeping people safe, then said:

"Here's the challenge for police. With the shutdown governor in charge, I'm sure state troopers are just glad to be on church property without having to tag license plates."

Attorney General Daniel Cameron, the Republican candidate for governor

“I’ve been watching Frankfort Andy up close for nearly four years, and I have just one question: Governor, are you auditioning for a job with Bud Light’s marketing team?” (This was a reference to the conservative backlash against Bud Light over a March Madness deal it struck with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.)

Gov. Andy Beshear, seeking reelection

Daniel Cameron “recently told Eric Deters he’d go to his big rally and then backed out. He told Eric he really wanted to come, he really did, but he has other things to do. That’s exactly what Ryan Quarles told Daniel Cameron.” (a reference to how Quarles allegedly declined to be Cameron’s running mate)

“If you’re willing to lie to a grand jury, he’s willing to lie to you,”(referring to Cameron’s handling of the Breonna Taylor investigation)

Sen. Robby Mills, Republican lieutenant governor candidate

MIlls, Cameron's running mate, included a frequent Republican criticism that Beshear doesn’t work with the GOP-led legislature.

“Well, it's good to see Governor Beshear here today. It's nice to meet you, Governor, outside of a press conference. You may not know who I am, Governor, but I'm a legislator from the Kentucky General Assembly. You know, that co-equal branch of government? We actually work in the same building with you but you never stop by to see us.”

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, running for reelection with Andy Beshear

"I'd rather be Steve Beshear's son than Mitch McConnell's puppet.”

Russell Coleman, Republican candidate for attorney general

He noted Democratic opponent Rep. Pam Stevenson’s current lack of a Kentucky law license.

“Well, well hold on a minute. Rep. Stevenson, let me tell you - the Kentucky bar exam is a test you take to practice law here in Kentucky.”

Rep. Pam Stevenson, Democratic candidate for attorney general

“Now, I know these boys have been trying to make a big a-do about my bar status. But I would too, if I had to compete against my resume.”

Stevenson served 27 years in the Air Force and was a J.A.G. attorney. She attained the rank of colonel.

Secretary of State Michael Adams

“In the polls, (Democratic challenger Buddy Wheatley) is only getting 24% - in third place, behind undecided. For the first time, he's relieved to see a number above 0.08%,” (referring to a 2008 incident in which Wheatley crashed a city-owned car with alcohol in his system.)

More: McConnell speaks, receives warm reception at pre-Fancy Farm event amid health concerns

Reach Olivia Krauth at okrauth@courierjournal.com and on Twitter at @oliviakrauth.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Fancy Farm 2023: McConnell, Beshear and Cameron throw zingers