Democrats topping their party's ticket in Kentucky's off-year election are skipping a visit by President Barack Obama this week.
Likely Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jack Conway will be in eastern Kentucky to discuss anti-drug efforts when Obama talks about the economy on Thursday in Louisville.
Conway sounds unconcerned by any political fallout from Obama's visit even though Republicans are stepping up efforts to link them.
Last year, Democratic Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes refused to say whether she voted for Obama who is and was deeply unpopular in Kentucky.
Other prominent Democratic candidates will miss Obama's visit this time.
State Auditor Adam Edelen says he will attend a fundraiser in eastern Kentucky. Attorney general candidate Andy Beshear will be meeting with law enforcement to talk about heroin abuse.
