The grand opening of the Northern Kentucky Kerry/Edwards Democratic headquarters took place at 302 Court St. next to Kenton County Building. The office is owned by lawyer Lanny Holbrook.

Just before a ribbon cutting and speeches, the crowd waited outside listening to Don McLean's "American Pie" and Billy Joel's "Piano Man" while campaign workers handed out stickers and signs.

Some Democratic figures present included Bob Sanders, chairman of the Northern Kentucky Democratic headquarters, who addressed perceptions about the Kerry/Edwards campaign in the state.

John Kerry and John Edwards are not campaigning in Kentucky and are not expected to do so before the November election. Recent polls put President Bush up by about 20 percentage points in Kentucky.

"A lot of people have written off Kentucky as Republican," Sanders said. "We refuse to give up Kentucky without a fight." Dr. Dan Mongiardo, candidate for U.S. Senate, was the featured speaker at the rally. Mongiardo will face incumbent Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Southgate, in the November election.

Eddie Jacobs, executive director of Kentucky Democratic party introduced the Hazard doctor to cheers from the crowd when he said Bunning was "out of touch with issues in Kentucky."

Mongiardo told the crowd, "I was told to stay away from Northern Kentucky, and that I wouldn't get any votes here. Well, this is part of Kentucky, and I'm going to be here," he said.

The crowd was receptive to Mongiardo's challenge for a debate with his opponent. "(Bunning) has said he'd call us after Labor Day," Mongiardo said. "Last I checked, it's after Labor Day."

Sanders told the crowd he was confident that Mongiardo as well as other Democrats were going to be victorious in November.

"Nick Clooney is going to win... Kathy Groob is going to win ... and Dennis Keene is going to win..." he said. "We're here to support all democratic candidates in Kentucky."

During the two-hour event, a handful of silent protesters stood at the back of the crowd with signs expressing opposition to Mongiardo and Kerry.

Adam Koenig, Kenton County commissioner and a member of Young Professionals for Bush, said he knew of no one from the Republican party attending the event.

"I guess if (Mongiardo) is going to campaign, he's got to campaign across the state ... His appearance shows he's supporting the John Kerry/John Edwards ticket, which is out of touch with Kentucky (voters)."