In Kentucky coal country, Democrats fear Trump

ADAM BEAM
Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Democrats in Kentucky are worried Donald Trump’s appeal in Appalachia could topple their majority in the state House of Representatives.

The Kentucky House is the last legislative chamber in the South still controlled by Democrats. Eastern Kentucky, the heart of the state’s coal culture, has been dominated by Democrats for decades. But Trump’s anger on the campaign trail has matched the mood of many in Appalachia, where job losses associated with the declining coal industry have fueled a backlash against national Democrats.

Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo says his opponent on the ballot cannot defeat him, but Trump can. He said he’s focusing on his own election and not telling voters who to vote for in the presidential race.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.