FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A retiring Republican lawmaker is being appointed to a position in the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
The Lexington Herald-Leader (http://bit.ly/U3K9Lu) reports 60-year-old state Rep. Danny Ford of Mount Vernon is set to become surplus property director on Jan. 2.
It is the fourth time Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed a Republican state lawmaker to a job.
When asked about the decision, Beshear spokeswoman Kerri Richardson said Ford's career as a Realtor and auctioneer make him "uniquely qualified" for the $85,000 per year job that has been vacant since spring. It would also make him eligible for an enhanced state pension.
Other appointments by Beshear include Sen. David Williams to a judgeship, Sen. Charlie Borders to the Public Service Commission and Sen. Dan Kelly to a judgeship.
