Democrat Adam Edelen has defeated Republican John T. Kemper III in their race to become Kentucky's next auditor of public accounts - a race that turned into an argument over claims the other had political baggage.

With 64 percent of precincts reporting, Edelen had 298,392, or
58 percent of the vote, to Kemper's 214,968, or 42 percent.

Edelen will succeed state Auditor Crit Luallen as Kentucky's chief financial watchdog. Luallen is finishing her second term, the limit allowed by law.

Edelen claimed that Kemper's personal bankruptcy filing showed he's a poor financial manager.

Kemper blamed the bankruptcy filing on a failed plan to develop
upscale homes near Lexington amid the national economic downturn.

Kemper questioned Edelen's ability to be an unbiased auditor,
pointing to the Democrat's business and political ties.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)