Kentucky Democratic Senate nominee Jack Conway is pouncing on the recent news that a recent poll shows him even with Republican nominee Rand Paul by pushing his message that he is tougher on drug enforcement in the state.

The Bluegrass State has had difficulty with illegal drugs and prescription drug trafficking in recent years, but Paul told the AP last week, "I don't think it's a real pressing issue." Of Eastern Kentucky, he said, "They're socially conservative out there, so am I. Jack's not. They're fiscally conservative. I am. Jack's not. ... I think we'll swamp him."

But Conway's primary opponent, Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, honed in on drug problems in Eastern Kentucky and secured law enforcement endorsements that aided him in outperforming Conway in those rural areas.

Conway plans a roundtable discussion this afternoon with Wolfe County law enforcement and business leaders "focusing on the needs of Eastern Kentuckians facing the scourge of illegal drugs in their communities." His campaign intends to spend the week driving home their message against Paul on drugs.