2012 United States presidential election in Kentucky

Democratic primary }} Barack Obama's only "opponent" in the primary was the "Uncommitted" ballot option, which garnered more than 42% of the primary vote, making Kentucky one of Obama's worst contested primary results. Republican primary The Republican primary occurred on May 22, 2012. 42 delegates were chosen, all of which were allocated to and pledged to vote for Mitt Romney at the 2012 Republican National Convention. Three delegates remain unpledged to any candidate. All Republicans in Kentucky were allowed to participate in the primary. A Republican primary was also held in Arkansas on this day. Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich withdrew from the presidential race on April 10 and May 2, 2012, respectively. Both endorsed Romney as the Republican nominee. == General election ==

Predictions Results By county ;Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican • Hancock (largest city: Lewisport) • Henderson (largest city: Henderson) • Menifee (largest city: Frenchburg) • Rowan (largest city: Morehead) • Wolfe (largest city: Campton) ;Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic • Franklin (largest city: Frankfort) By congressional district Romney won five of six congressional districts. ==Analysis==

On election night, Kentucky went as expected to the Republican candidate, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, over incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama of bordering Illinois. Obama was reelected but nonetheless, lost Kentucky. In most recent years, Democrats have maintained their lead in registered voters compared to Republicans. However, Kentucky is known as a highly conservative state with a populist streak. In most recent presidential elections in Kentucky, Democrats usually achieve lower 40 or upper 30% margins. Obama performed significantly worse in 2012 than he did in 2008. Appalachian Kentucky used to be a place were Democrats thrived because of working-class people, particularly unionized coal miners. However, this region has become increasingly Republican in recent years. Romney performed, for the most part, very well statewide. Obama won four counties. Obama was, however, able to maintain a solid performance in perhaps the most Democratic place in the state, Jefferson County (Louisville Metro). The other counties Obama won were Franklin, Elliott and Fayette. ==See also==