SANDY HOOK, Ky. (LEX 18) — Since being formed in the 19th century through Barack Obama's two terms in office, Elliott County supported the Democratic candidate for president in every election.
Sandy Hook native Wilma Fraley has never supported a Republican candidate, and that didn't change in 2016.
"No. I did not vote for Trump. No I did not," said Fraley.
But many others in Elliott County. Republican Donald Trump won almost three times as many votes as Hillary Clinton in the small county in November 2016.
On Presidents Day, we decided to stop by four restaurants in Sandy Hook to try and capture the pulse.
But because it was a holiday, offices were closed and business was slower than usual.
No owners or managers wanted to speak on camera, but did tell us that politics dominate the morning discussion.
Make no mistake, there are still a lot of Trump supporters among registered Democrats here in Elliott County. But none of them wanted to talk on the record because it's too hot-button of an issues to bring up with family and friends.
"I try to avoid politics because I go out to enjoy myself and not get into an argument. And you can get into an argument on politics," said Charles Minneo.
Minneo is a native New Yorker who moved to eastern Kentucky a few years ago. He stops by Sandy Hook's popular Frosty Freeze at least once a week, and was finishing up his burger when we caught up with him.
He is a Republican, and supports President Trump.
"I think he's doing a great job," said Minneo. "I'm voting for Trump again, no hesitation in my mind."
As for Fraley, she's still deciding who she will support in 2020. She ultimately wants the candidate who will look out for the future of her beloved county, especially the children.
Out of those Democrats opposed to Trump, others told us they're waiting for other primaries to play out.
One of the reasons people we talked to shied from our camera was that Elliott County is part of an upcoming special election for former Minority Leader Rocky Adkins's seat in the House of Representatives.
The candidates are Democrat Bill Redwine and Republican Richard White who, as expected, is touting himself as "pro-Trump."
