WYMT has learned that Jim Holbert, a Laurel County resident, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, the seat currently held by Hal Rogers. Holbert is running as an Independent and calls his campaign "a true grassroots effort."

"Our Country is in a bad way at home and overseas and needs common-sense action from Congress, not more political arguments or 'business as usual.' We need laws made and upheld to protect and help our working people and bring good jobs back to America. The 5th District has the right resources, and with the right policies we can bring energy production and manufacturing jobs here and still ensure the protection of our land, air, and water," Holbert said.

Holbert, a former U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard pilot, settled with his family in Laurel County in 2005, where he works from the London- Corbin Airport as an Emergency Medical Services helicopter pilot flying critically ill and injured persons in southeast Kentucky.

He and Cindy, his wife of 33 years, have three grown children and one grandchild.