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Kentucky Political Update
(September 24, 2008) - Leadership Races
House and Senate members will elect their leadership during the organizational session the first week of January. We don’t expect any major changes in Senate leadership nor in committee chairs or key committee assignments. The House Democrat leadership picture is very different.
Since the end of the session, several members have said publicly that they plan to run for a leadership post, with the most recent being Rep. Greg Stumbo’s announcement he is running against Rep. Jody Richards for Speaker. See the articles below on the race for Speaker.
While legislative leadership races have their own dynamics and a lot will change before the legislature convenes, here is a list of other members who plan to run for a leadership post:
- Rep. Wilkey, the Majority Whip, has already announced his retirement and there are several members interested in running including Rep. John Will Stacy, Rep. Tommy Thompson, Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, and Rep. Arnold Simpson.
- Speaker Pro-Tem Larry Clark will face opposition from Rep. Joni Jenkins. (Rep. Clark and Rep. Stumbo have exchanged reciprocal endorsements.)
- Rep. Charlie Hoffman, Majority Caucus Chair will face a challenge from Rep. Bob Damron. This is a rematch from the 2006 leadership races when Rep. Hoffman beat out Rep. Damron.
- No opposition has surfaced for Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins at this time.
These races are obviously very important to the direction and success of the 2009 session, especially with the leadership comprising the Committee on Committees, any major shifts at the top could result in new chairs for key committees and key committee assignments.
House leadership races have and will continue to dominate the rumor mill this summer.
Stumbo to challenge Richards for speakership
By Ryan Alessi, Lexington Herald-Leader
Democratic state Rep. Greg Stumbo will try to unseat House Speaker Jody Richards in a leadership race that could have far-reaching effects in Frankfort.
Richards: I have enough support to keep position
By JIM GAINES, The Daily News
State Rep. Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, enumerated his justifications Friday afternoon that he’s challenging House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, for his chair in the upcoming legislative session. In turn, Richards disputed Stumbo’s take on the last session’s events and said he’s got enough support to keep the post he has held for 13 years.
Other Political News
2009 Session Calendar Available
A schedule for the Kentucky General Assembly’s 2009 session has been approved by legislative leaders. The session is scheduled to last 30 working days – the maximum allowed by the state constitution in odd-numbered years.
Governor Beshear filed two Declaration’s of Emergency as of late. The first was signed in response to increasing gas prices due to Hurricane Ike. The Governor has to make a Declaration of Emergency in order to initiate Kentucky’s price gouging law.
The second declaration was made in order to respond to severe weather emergencies that occurred from the leftovers from Hurricane Ike. You can view copies of both of the declarations below:
Venters invested as Supreme Court Justice
By RONNIE ELLIS - CNHI News Service
Kentucky’s newest Supreme Court Justice, Daniel J. Venters of Somerset, charmed a room full of dignitaries on hand to see his official investiture.
Louisville Lawyers Rate Judicial Candidates
Mark Hebert – WHAS 11
The Louisville Bar Association has surveyed its members about the qualifications of the candidates running in contested judicial races in Jefferson County. The survey shows that, if only lawyers were voting, the Supreme Court race between Jim Shake and Lisabeth Abramson would be a tight one. The results are on the Louisville Bar's web page.
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