Andy Barr

HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) - Democrat Charles Booker and Republican Andy Barr visited Perry County in the final days of their campaigns for the U.S. Senate, as Kentuckians prepare to decide Tuesday who will succeed long-time Senator Mitch McConnell. Former President Barack Obama recently endorsed Booker in his race for the Senate seat. President Donald Trump endorsed Barr in May. Both candidates said they have a vision for the future of Eastern Kentucky. “My Kentucky First agenda is about putting more money in the pockets of families in Eastern Kentucky, stopping these data centers from being rammed in their backyards and stopping this trade war that is flipping our economy upside down,” Booker said. “And this chaos in Iran.” “What I want the people of Eastern Kentucky, Perry County, this whole region of Southeast Kentucky to know is that I’m going to be a tireless advocate for Eastern Kentucky,” Barr said. “Just the same way that I was when I represented the 6th district.” Both candidates have traveled across Kentucky and visited people from all walks of life. They said reaching some of the most rural areas was a priority, even in the final stage of the campaign. “I know how it feels to be forgotten. I know how it feels to be frustrated with the status quo,” Booker said. “And there are brilliant people throughout Kentucky, certainly Eastern Kentucky, but we need leaders who see us, who care about us, who understand our humanity. And I want to be accountable to them.” “People here sometimes feel left behind. And they shouldn’t feel that way,” Barr said. “I want them to know that they’re going to have a voice in Washington D.C. in the United States Senate advocating for Appalachia, advocating for the people of Southeast Kentucky. They will not be forgotten by a Senator Andy Barr.” Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.