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Tim Walz's stop in Louisville comes as local Democrats, Republicans make final push to voters

"We have to go full speed ahead until Election Day. That is what is most important."

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With less than two weeks until November's election, Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz was greeted by top Kentucky Democrats as he stopped in Louisville for private fundraiser Wednesday.

Though the doors to the fundraise are closed, Walz' appearance in Louisville comes at a pivotal time for both Democrats and Republicans to push the "get out the vote" message in the final days leading up to the election.

Logan Gatti, chair of the Louisville Democratic Party, believes Walz' message to those attending the fundraiser will be to not let off the gas.

"We have to go full speed ahead until Election Day," Gatti said. "That is what is most important."

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Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, waves to those greeting him at Louisville's airport. | Oct. 23, 2024

Kentucky only has eight electoral votes up for grabs in any presidential election. 

Rarely has the state been considered "pivotal" in determining an election's outcome, but Gatti sees Walz' brief visit as something more meaningful.

"It shows that we're a state that matters," Gatti said. "We're not just a flyover state."

Gatti said their office has delivered over 10,000 yard signs and by Nov. 5, they hope to knock on 6,000 more doors.

Republicans in Jefferson County are also moving quick to reach as many voters as possible in the final days leading up to Election Day. 

Charlie Bell, chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party, called it "crunch time."

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"We're out walking, we're canvassing, we're promoting our candidates," she said.

Bell said they have more than 50 volunteers and have delivered more than 1,000 yard signs for Donald Trump and thousands more for local GOP candidates.

Now, Bell said it's all about what happens at the ballot box.

"If we could get everybody that's really registered to vote, we will be in a much better position, not just as a county party, but as a whole," she said.

Bell said Walz' visit in Louisville won't do much to move the needle in Kentucky, but said representation matters on all sides.

"Everybody needs to be represented and have their time to say their peace," she said. "Just make an informed decision."

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