MINNEAPOLIS – Over the course of both parties’ national conventions, there has been a consistent buzz among Kentucky’s delegations about the open-seat 2nd Congressional District race between state Sen. David Boswell (D-Owensboro) and state Sen. Brett Guthrie (R-Bowling Green).

In Denver - at the Democratic National Convention – Kentucky delegates lobbied the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and even U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) to work on behalf of Boswell.

Here in the Twin Cities for the Republican National Convention, Kentucky Republicans were voicing their support of Guthrie as well, who was in town campaigning.

“I think everyone really wants to help Brett,” said Gail Russell, Kentucky’s RNC national committeewoman. “Brett’s been here this week working hard, getting morale up, and raising some money.”

“We feel very positive about the 2nd District” added Russell.

Guthrie himself noted that he was seeing national interests rally behind his efforts as well.

“The national groups that are here are definitely focused on my race,” added Guthrie.

For his part, U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Southgate) said his own political action committee had already contributed $10,000 to Guthrie’s efforts and more fundraising assistance was on the way.

“I’m going down there in October for a fundraiser,” said Bunning.

In recent days, an internal poll commissioned by Boswell’s camp showed their candidate up eight points over Guthrie, while an earlier public poll gave Boswell a narrower lead, within the margin of error.

At the same time, Guthrie’s campaign holds a significant fundraising advantage over Boswell.

Regardless, the word around the RNC was positive for Guthrie.

“I think Brett Guthrie will be able to hold onto the seat,” said Mike Duncan, the Inez native who chairs the Republican National Committee.