Voters in Kentucky today are choosing the Republican and Democratic nominees for governor.
The GOP matchup is extremely close between three of the four candidates.
James Comer spent the final weeks of his campaign fending off allegations of domestic abuse. After voting in his hometown of Tompkinsville this morning, Comer told WKU Public Radio he thinks the allegations will "backfire."
"The people who know me are offended by what's been printed. They're working harder than they've ever worked," said Comer. "We have a great ground game in just about every county in the state and I feel very confident it's going to be a good night."
Comer has accused Hal Heiner’s campaign of pushing the allegations, though Heiner himself has denied any involvement. After voting in Louisville, Heiner wouldn't comment on the end of a long and negative campaign, saying only that people in Kentucky are wanting to move the state in a new direction.
"For 63 weeks, we have focused on what's possible in Kentucky," remarked Heiner. "I just believe we're at a crossroads right now. We can do so much better. I know we can."
Also voting in Louisville was businessman Matt Bevin who said momentum has moved in his direction.
"We've done what we need to do. We laid down a very good campaign, I think," Bevin commented. "We've raised the issues, we stayed out of the gutter, and the voters will decide."Former state Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott cast his ballot in Pike County. He remains upbeat, although polling has shown him well behind the other three candidates.
If our strategy worked, it worked," said Scott. "If not, I'm just tickled to have served Kentucky for as long as I did in my life."
The winner of the Republican primary is expected to face Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway in the November election.