In the first week of the summer recess, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is making the rounds through Kentucky and getting much-needed face time with voters.

McConnell will visit various venues throughout the Bluegrass State this week, including the American Cave Museum and Aunt Bee’s Restaurant, where he will speak before the Horse Cave Rotary Club. McConnell also plans to make a visit to the Barren County Sheriff’s Department.

After the Senate stalled last week on legislation to crack down on speculation in the oil futures market, the Republican leader is likely to work his message on high gas prices and build a case against his Democratic challenger, Bruce Lunsford.

Over the weekend, McConnell attended the much-anticipated Fancy Farm picnic, which is known for its political debates. McConnell mainly focused on Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Later this month, McConnell will appear at the Kentucky Farm Bureau for a candidates forum.