SHEPHERDSVILLE - A team of prominent Kentucky Republicans joined First Lady Laura Bush and state Sen. Brett Guthrie (R-Bowling Green) on stage this afternoon to do some last-minute campaigning for their party's slate while hammering away at their opponents.

Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan - a native of the eastern Kentucky town of Inez - was in town for the rally in Shepherdsville. During his remarks before the 1200-plus crowd, he slammed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama on some of the most controversial attacks of the campaign, including his "associations" with some now-infamous Chicagoans.

"When you look at Barack Obama, there's so many questions," said Duncan.  "Why does he pal around with people like Bill Ayers and Tony Rezko  and Mayor Daley?"

"He's part of the Chicago machine," added Duncan.

Duncan also ripped into Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden, saying "he loves the sound of his own voice."

Duncan reserved some of his ire for Democrats down the ballot, including Guthrie's opponent for the open 2nd Congressional District seat - state Sen. David Boswell (D-Owensboro).

"His first vote would be for the San Fransisco liberal, Nancy Pelosi," said Duncan, referencing procedural votes for House Speaker that incoming members of Congress cast early in the session.

It wasn't all attacks from Duncan, however, as he garnered loud cheers when praising Biden's counterpart, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

"Not only does she talk the talk of a conservative, she walks the walk," said Duncan.

Among the other speakers today were Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R-Richwood) and state Sen. President David Williams (R-Burkesville).

Williams talked up Republican Presidential nominee John McCain, lauding him as "the most qualified" candidate for Commander-in-Chief and referencing earlier remarks by Biden suggesting Obama would be "tested" by a foreign policy "crisis."

"I don't think the terrorists and the enemies of the United States are going to be testing John McCain," said Williams.