I think this is the earnest position but for some reason he's recently been trying to appeal to the farthest-right voices he can, in a state that is moderate at best. There's his flip-flopping on abortion and a "wink wink" position on vaccine mandates.

I realize there are a number of "-tucky" enclaves in the state. I think he knows he's chances to win are small and these folks are his only shot at getting close.