1st Congressional District candidate Heather Ryan will open a campaign heaquarters in Ryan's hometown of Paducah next week - the first the campaign will have in the district.

Ryan, a Democrat, is running a low-budget effort against incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, who has represented the 1st District since 1995.[img_assist|nid=762|title=Heather Ryan (D-Paducah)|desc=Politicker photo|link=none|align=right|width=240|height=155]

Her campaign nerve center will be located at 4509 Clarks River Road in Paducah. The office's grand opening is scheduled for August 21 at 5pm.

"Men, Women, Children and Check Books Welcome!" reads an invitation to the grand opening event dispatched by Ryan's campaign.

Ryan is heavily financially outgunned by Whitfield, who holds over $1 million on hand. The Democrat is raising funds almost exclusively through the ActBlue web site, which currently lists $6,860 in contributions for Ryan's effort.

While on a shoe-string budget, the Ryan campaign has nonetheless worked to establish a presence in the face of Whitfield's long-term hold on the district.

Supporters erected hand-stenciled signs along the route to western Kentucky's celebrated Fancy Farm political speaking while the campaign also released a series of internet videos poking fun at Ryan's opponent.

From the Fancy Farm podium, Ryan also delivered an oft-hyped assault on Whitfield and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville).