DEMOCRATS ANNOINT CANDIDATE  

      Lexington Democratic activists heard from five candidates who wanted the party nomination in the 75th house district.   That’s the mainly downtown/UK area district represented now by Kathy Stein who is running for the senate seat being vacated by Ernesto Scorsone.    After 24-years in the legislature, Scorsone is switching gears in his public service career and running for circuit judge.

       Since Scorsone made his move so late (waiting to see if judgeships were going to open through retirement), there was no time for a primary and the decision is left to party activists. 

       Wednesday, Democrats made their decision, choosing Unitarian minister Kelly Flood over four other candidates.    Flood represents the district’s liberal leanings.   Republicans indicated they’ve vetted some potential candidates but seem unlikely to come up with a strong contender.

      There were plenty of back door meetings going into the dramatic Democratic nomination meeting.   Some of the candidates urged others to drop out and there have been calls made for and against candidates by other interested parties.

     The GOP managed to find a credible candidate in the senate race with Councilman Chuck Ellinger, Jr.   He is known for stressing his “fiscal conservatism”… leaving most to believe he is at least moderate on most social issues.

        The party registration favors the Democrats in both the senate and house districts.   We’ll keep you informed on this one.

        BTW… The Republicans lost their candidate in the 79th house district.  Mike Farmer, who challenged Democrat Susan Westrom in 2006, filed in January to do the same this year.   Now Farmer has dropped out and it’s too late for Republicans to name a candidate.   Only an independent could file this late and the deadline for that is August 12th.    Otherwise, Westrom looks to be unopposed.

McCONNELL TO BE ON “KENTUCKY NEWSMAKERS”

       We’ve confirmed U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell as the guest on “Kentucky Newsmakers” this weekend.   McConnell, who is the senate minority leader, is up for re-election this year.   We look forward to a wide ranging interview with the senator.   It airs Saturday morning at 11:00 on WKYT.

     Bill Bryant

     WKYT 27 NEWSFIRST