Politics

Booze has been traded for votes in the Appalachian region in years past, but at least one election official is raising prescription pills as a new worry. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky's chief election official, is expected to voice that concern at a Capitol press conference on Tuesday where she'll appear with federal and state investigators and prosecutors to put unscrupulous politicians on notice that they'll be closely watched on Nov. 6.

Election day is two weeks away, and with only one competitive Congressional race (6th District with Congressman Ben Chandler and Andy Barr) and no statewide races on the ballot, this year's politics will definitely be local. Republicans are trying to take control of the state House this year. They need 10 seats to do so. Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to pick up a few Senate seats to bolster their slim minority. Below are the races to watch, by region, in these legislative contests.

Former Senator George McGovern, who lost the 1972 Presidential race, has passed away at the age of 90. Weekend All Things Considered will have more on McGovern's life and political impact, starting at 4pm central, 5 eastern time Sunday. Morning Edition will also have extensive reporting on the passing of McGovern Monday.

In the meantime, here's part of a report NPR's Don Gonyea had during Weekend Edition Sunday: