On a rainy afternoon, Democrats packed The Burl for a political pep talk from big-name Democrats, most hailing from Team Beshear.
Speakers emphasized Dembo's background as a former federal prosecutor who left the job over what he saw as the corruption of the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump — and the Sixth District's status as a potential flip in November.
Asked about his appeal to independents, the fastest growing category of new voters, Dembo said this: "I think it's crucial to get them onboard because, I'll be honest, that national noise... with all the polarization, they're tired of it. And look, as a Democrat, there are things national Democrats have done that I'm fed up with. Goodness knows there is plenty Republicans have done I'm fed up with."
Still, several of Dembo's supporters used their time on stage to tie his GOP rival, Ralph Alvarado, to his ex-running mate, former Gov. Matt Bevin, and Bevin's record.
Alvarado, who has aligned himself with President Donald Trump, is urging his party to unify to defend the seat.
"The Democrats are planning on targeting this. We don't want to give them that opportunity," he said after the May elections. "Let's make sure we all come together this fall, that we work together to make sure that we keep the Democrats from trying to come and take this seat from us," he said.
A Public Policy Polling matchup ahead of the primaries put Alvarado and Dembo neck-and-neck.