Four days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans of removing certain tariffs on Scotch whisky, and then endorsed him as the Republican nominee for Kentucky U.S. Senator, Congressman Andy Barr was in Christian County early Tuesday morning — embracing a short, private tour of Casey Jones Distillery on Witty Lane.
Barr called the 45th and 47th Commander-in-Chief’s blessing “a game-changer” in the race to be Mitch McConnell’s replacement in Washington, D.C., and he noted that Trump’s popularity in Kentucky — especially the Republican electorate — could help him during the May primary.
He noted he was “honored and humbled” to receive Trump’s support, effectively making him “the right choice” for the Commonwealth.
Barr is a proud co-chairman of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, where he said it’s among his many responsibilities to be a “champion for Kentucky, and Kentucky’s signature industry of bourbon,” and he knows that in 2025, his Commonwealth contemporaries like McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, as well as other national Republicans, were not pleased with tariffs lobbied on bourbon and spirits.
However, Barr said other opportunities have presented themselves during these economic negotiations — particularly with India — while discussions continue with the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada.
Like many other noted dignitaries, Barr was among many this past weekend who got a front-row look at three of Kentucky’s largest industries — horses, bourbon and tobacco — when he paid visit to the 152nd Oaks and Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
The people of Kentucky, he said — regardless of political affiliation — are “proud of the state,” and he called it “the greatest state in the country.”
Multiple reports, including WKMS in Murray, have indicated that Kentucky farmers — and other agrarians nationwide — will be facing sharp fertilizer price hikes and supply chain risks linked to the ongoing war with Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil and fertilizer shipping highway.
Barr said he remains “the correct candidate” as Kentucky’s next senator, to deal with this very difficult issue.
He closed out his Tuesday west Kentucky visit with a trip to Logan County, and Barr is expected back this way Friday — where he will take a tour of Fort Campbell and its militaristic capabilities.
