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Poll: Craft narrows gap with Cameron in GOP gubernatorial primary

Kentucky republican gubernatorial candidate Kelly Crafy speaks to supporters during a campaign stop in Elizabethtown, Ky., Wednesday, April 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
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Kentucky republican gubernatorial candidate Kelly Crafy speaks to supporters during a campaign stop in Elizabethtown, Ky., Wednesday, April 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

A new poll shows the GOP race for governor tightening, with former United Nations ambassador Kelly Craft gaining ground against frontrunner Daniel Cameron.

The latest numbers released by Emerson College and Fox 56 show Craft narrowing the gap between herself and Cameron — with just six points separating them at 24% and 30% respectively.

The survey of 900 Republicans deemed "likely" voters comes after weeks of heavy advertising by Craft and aligned superPACs. While the latter have taken aim at Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, Craft hasn't been shy when it comes to ads designed to appeal to the reddest portion of the electorate.

So far she's linked the drug problem to the border, pledged to launch a "full court press" against China, and in her most recent spot, dismantle Kentucky's Department of Education.

"Our schools are under attack," Craft warns in the ad, featuring a purple-haired teacher clearing her throat when a student fails to mention her pronouns. "Woke bureaucrats parachuting in to hijack our children's future... forcing woke ideology into the classroom."

While Craft was a UN ambassador under former President Trump, it's Cameron who touts his endorsement from the embattled former president — at the tail end of his first TV ad — showing both frontrunners are wagering on Trump's enduring popularity among Kentucky GOP primary voters.

In the meantime, the Emerson poll also shows Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles peeling away from the crowded pack of candidates at 15%.

Still, around a fifth of the voters surveyed remained in the undecided camp.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.