Incumbent Republican CongressmanEd Whitfield defeated Democratic challenger Billy Cartwright by a solid margin in this solidly-conservative westKentucky-based district.
Incumbent Republican CongressmanRon Lewis faced no difficulty seeking a fifth term in his conservative district based in west-centralKentucky, riding the coattails of PresidentBush's re-electionin Kentucky over Democratic nominee Adam Smith.
Incumbent Republican CongresswomanAnne Northup was used to facing tough elections in this swing district based inLouisville, but this election proved different. Despite the fact thatJohn Kerry, the Democratic nominee for president, won Northup's district, her Democratic opponent, Tony Miller, theCircuit Court Clerk forJefferson County was unable to defeat Northup and his campaign crumbled in a landslide.
When incumbent CongressmanKen Lucas, a Democrat, declined to seek re-election as part of a campaign pledge to only serve three terms, an intense battle emerged in this conservative district based in northernKentucky. ReporterNick Clooney, the father of renowned actorGeorge Clooney, became the Democratic nominee;Geoff Davis, Lucas's opponent in 2002, became the Republican nominee. In what some dubbed "Heartland vs.Hollywood," Davis rode aRepublican tidal wave to victory, defeating Clooney by a fair margin. Michael E. Slider, a High School teacher from Oldham County, also ran in the race as an Independent.
Emerging from a successfulspecial election earlier in the year, freshman incumbent CongressmanBen Chandler faced off against the Republican nominee,Kentucky State SenatorTom Buford. Chandler won a second term with relative ease in this conservative Central Kentucky district.