Candidate Profiles For The 29th District State Senate Seat

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Posted: 6:41 PM Apr 30, 2008
Last Updated: 11:35 AM May 1, 2008
Reporter: Angela Sparkman
Email Address: angela.sparkman@wymtnews.com

13 comments

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Four years ago, only 24 votes separated the two candidates for the 29th District State Senate seat. Johnny Ray Turner beat Eric Shane Hamilton by that slim margin. Now the same two candidates are battling each other again to represent Breathitt, Floyd, Letcher, and Knott Counties. Both candidates say this is a new year and a new race and aren't thinking about the election four years ago. There are no Republicans running, so the winner of this Democrat primary will be the state senator.

Incumbent State Senator Johnny Ray Turner is in his eighth year representing Floyd, Breathitt, Knott, and Letcher Counties and wants to continue.

"I enjoy representing the people of Eastern Kentucky," Turner said.

But challenger Eric Shane Hamilton believes it is time for a change and wants a turn.

"I've always had a passion to help people," Hamilton said.

Both men have lived here their whole lives. Turner taught school and coached for 28 years. Hamilton is businessman, working in restaurants, and now real estate. He thinks his business background will help in the legislature and the budget.

"You raise your revenues up and you raise your expenses up, so you're at the same spot again, so I think we need to take a different look at government and that's through a business aspect," Hamilton said.

Turner is on several committees including leadership and education. He believes his experience is what the region needs.

"I think it puts me in a position to make a difference for projects and things, to be able to bring things home to Eastern Kentucky," Turner said.

Both men, if elected, want the same projects. They both want safe drinking water and sewer connections for every home. They want to improve the roads, and neither wants casino gambling in Eastern Kentucky, but want voters to decide, but first, they're asking voters to choose them.

"I'm the person that will work with everybody and get everybody their fair share," Hamilton said.

"I believe that I can make a difference in the quality of life for the people of Eastern Kentucky," Turner said.

Voters still have some time to decide. Election Day is May 20th.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: James Meade Location: Prestonsburg on May 24, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Wow I hope the family now gets the hint and read the writing on the wall...THE BENNY RAYE BAILEY ERA IS OVER FOR GOOD....THE PEOPLE OF FLOYD CO AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES HAVE SPOKEN LOUD AND CLEAR ......ITS OVER ITS OVER ITS OVER....WAY TO GO JOHNNY RAYE

Posted by: POTTER Location: BANNER on May 5, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Well Mr. Meade I will have to give you credit for being persistent.You have definitely been mislead youre whole life.But since you obviously no nothing of politics ,other than what you read on myspace and some useless websites, you should try reading the papers and watching the news everyonce in a while. JRT is about a good a senator as my dog could be. He has no ethics ,cares only for himself, and could careless about you. If you want to campaign for him maybe you should come up with some facts about JRT, like ask him what size ankle braclet he wore to the general assembly last year, may want to ask if he matched his suits to it so they wouldnt clash.He is without a doubt the worst politician i have ever seen.

Posted by: James Meade Location: Prestonsburg,Ky on May 5, 2008 at 01:36 PM
To Benny Raye Baileys Followers: I'm sure Mr Bailey has indoctrinated his followers to also believe that Barrack Obama should be the candinate you should support. The Facts so you know it 1, Mr Obama will not salute the American Flag 2. Mr Obama does not have any Patriotic Views or feelings for any American Veteran (This is a shame I have a Grandfather and 4 Uncles that faught to keep the country free in WWII) 3. Obama doesn't support a tax relief for the American people in the form of suspending the Gas Tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Posted by: Jim Location: Drift on May 4, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Jame Mead. Incompetence is more akin to spelling capabilities. If I was a betting man, I would put a $100 that Mr. Turner taught you how to spell "recongizing" "incompatance" He might also have taught you ethics since you classify as a dignified leader, and a class act a person who committed a felony vote fraud offense (although he was charged with a felony, he convinced the federal prosecuter to allow him to plead down to a misdemenor). East KY needs leadership that they can be proud of and that doesnt embaress and perpetuate the negative stereotypes of applachia such as buying votes and allowing cocaine dealers to be involved with your campaign.

Posted by: Jame Meade Location: Prestonsburg,ky on May 3, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Ronnie Meades son.....Married to Sharon Little unfortuanatly Meade, but that was not by my choice. Sharon is the daughter of Mary Hall a sister to Viola Bailey i guess i need to help you with your family tree. Incompatance another reason not to put Shane Hamilton in office....either that or ur suffering from alzhimers diease. Guess u have a had time recongnizeing ur own family so i thought i would take the time to help explain it to you in simple english or do u speak spanish

Posted by: James Location: Drift on May 3, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Maybe if Johhny Ray didnt have his own self interests in front of his constitutents he would be able to fund more sewer/water and road projects. Mr. Turner has voted twice to increase his pay. ALthough he used to be a school teacher, he has apparently forgot his former peers and voted himself a greater pay rise than public school teachers TWICE.

Posted by: carol Location: Prestonsburg on May 3, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Who type that for you james.... or did you simply cut and paste. Look at the lives of each candidate! I too, feel sorry for Johnny Ray , for the mess he has gotten himself and his family into…BUT…. Not to the point that I want to sacrifice my children’s and grandchildren’s future. We are experiencing very difficult times in this country with war and the economy the way it is. Groceries are outrageous AND I should not have to mentions gas prices. I'm sorry James but this time my family is more important than giving Johnny Ray a job. It tunes my stomach to think anyone would feel any different.

Posted by: James Meade Location: Prestonsburg, ky on May 3, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Lets ask our the people we support where they stand on important issues faceing out state LETS HAVE A OLE FASHIONED DEBATE AND TO MAKE IT FAIR LETS NOT ONLY TELEVISE IT BUT ALSO LETS OPEN THE DEBATE TO QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC 1. I think we should support gambling in the state and keep out money here. 2. More funding for education and cutting it. 3. Lets give the teachers more responsibilites to there student and take back out communities....PUT THE PADDLE BACK IN THE CLASSROOM 4. Where do the canadates stand as far a making abortion legal in ky or illegal. Lets put the test to them see what there response is 5. what are they going to do to bring more money to our region and how r they going to help produce more jobs. more good paying jobs not 8 or 9 dollars a hour just a few questions. i know shane is for cheap labor just ask Bennys he for makeing illegals legal citizen no questions asked. I think instead of there conservative democrats.

Posted by: Potter Location: banner on May 2, 2008 at 11:32 PM
I am guessing that who ever this james meade person is, that he has no understanding at all of what a pure fool he is amking himself out to be. We all knnow that JRT cant win this election, he has no Ross Harris to "But it for him" this time.The only good thing i have seen come from JRT since he has been in office is the sportsplex in Knott co.As for city water /sewer if the local county governmants dont write for grants and have proposals done there is nothing JRT can do for them.So I ask you this Mr. Meade what has Johnny Ray done? I also am a nephew to Benny Ray, been in this family nearly 30 years and have never heard of you.

Posted by: Randy Location: Knott Co on May 2, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Forner Senator Bailey was a wonderful advocate for East KY. "He could play the budget like a musical instrument-making sure he brought projects home to the mountains..." Louisville Courier-Journal

Posted by: Shannon Location: Floyd on May 2, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I am a Shane Hamilton Supporter!!! He has our vote!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: distirct 29 on May 2, 2008 at 10:15 PM
"Let's see, getting the toll booths taken off the Mt. Parkway, Bringing the U.K. Center for Rural Health to East KY, establishing a Medical Residency Program in Hazard, getting new Justice Centers in several East KY Counties, Increasing Access to Health Care for All Kentuckyians, I can sure see why people are afraid of Former Senator Benny Bailey." Senator Bailey was a wonderful advocate for East KY, and would be a great addition to any administration.!!!"

Posted by: crystal Location: knott on May 2, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Mr. Meade frist of all you should have had a heft fine placed on you for even speaking the name of (Mr. bragger)himseft Randy Thompson. It seam that the judge has followed the foot steps of Mr. Turner, but i think not that he(Thompson) will get house arrest or get a slap on the wrist. But SHUT, RINGGGGGG!!!!! THOSE BARS WILL RING!and Mr. T will have wished that he had sang!

Posted by: James Meade Location: Prestonsburg, Ky on May 2, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Yes i find Mr Turner to be a dignified leader, and a class act. Mr Turner like Shane but with more experince has honed in on young adults skills to show to they can achieve there goals in life. You speak of Mr Turners actions but you fail to elaborate On Mr Bailys transgressions. Im sure i could name some names for you. that im all to sure he knows or gets the idea of this message....Donnie Newsome, Mr Thompson knott co judge exc. all people of whom mr bailys actions have had adverse effects on. (edited)

Posted by: David Location: Floyd County on May 1, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Jennifer, I too am a Hamilton supporter. I'm glad you asked James those questions because I was wondering the same thing. HAMILTON for SENATOR!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Mr. Turner has has way too much baggage to be an effective leader. Both of his campaign treasurer's from his previous eletions are in jail. 1 for vote fraud and 1 for dealing cocaine. He has been CONVICTED of VOTE FRUAD. His father was busted for DUI but Johny Ray somehow got him a little slap on the wrist. HIs brother DUI. Come on. We need some integrity in our elected officials again. Although many have negative comments on Bailey, can someone tell me how he has tarnished the reputation of us mountain folk. He was/is a respected member of the state and local community, serving the hard working people of his district which I may add did include Perry County for many many years (one reason that he has brought projects to Perry county) It is embarrising to elect a convict, as well as a person so intimately involved with cocaine pusher as to allow her to run his campaign, as a role model for our children. I am ashamed that he is my state senator and glad he will be a former.

Posted by: Jennifer Location: prestonsburg on May 1, 2008 at 04:20 PM
James, you find Turner to be a dignified leader?--What are you on??

Posted by: Beverly Location: Floyd County on May 1, 2008 at 02:25 PM
VOTE FOR HAMILTON FOR SENATOR!!! Turner claims he wants to help the people of the 29th district. Well, he should have been doing just that for the last 8 years, but between voter fraud, legal woes, and court dates he has proved to do absolutely nothing. Furthermore, if you wish to speak of dirty little deeds, you should take a look back at the criminal situations that have surrounded Turner. Also, Shane Hamilton is not Benny Ray Bailey so you should not judge him on Bailey's character. Mr. Hamilton is his own man and he wishes to improve our district. By the way James, Turner apparently didn't teach Language Arts or else you were absent during those classes because your spelling and punctuation are dreadful. Things aren't getting any better because your Senator Turner voted a pitiful raise for teachers and a much heftier raise for himself.

Posted by: change Location: Beaver on May 1, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I have such a difficult time relating Mr. Hamilton to his uncle. I have seldom thought to myself. I rarely ever see my family members, besides my mom and dad. ANd yet everyone assumes that BRB is running Mr. Hamilton. That is really ridiculous in these days and times. Mr. Hamilton has won the polls and seems like a very good man according to everyone who knows him, especially his marital arts students of well over 4000 thoughout the years. How can you blame one person for what another family member has done in the past. Today, people are too quick to make decisions based on no evidence, unlike Mr. Turner who was on house arrest.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Drift on May 1, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Dear Mr. Meade, I am really glad that Mr. Turner was a good coach, but when it comes to spelling, he was a major failure just like he is as a senator. I hope your favorite teacher can spell better than you. Hopefully, you can read better than you can spell when it comes to the poll. This could be the problem with why our counties are in such as mess, and by the way, the bridge in Drift is yet to be fixed. If you have any problems understanding this email, please post another and I will further explain. For the students sake, I hope that they can all spell better than you. I guess Mr. Turner wants all the students in our area to spell just like you, that is why is only gave teachers a 1% raise.

Posted by: hopeful Location: mcdowell on May 1, 2008 at 10:14 AM
i hope that everyone would not be dismayed by johnny rays friends comments. i hope that shane gets into office since he was unfairly beaten the last time and we do need a change. of course if you look at johnny rays family that he helped put in office you can see why people want him. his brother mikey turner wrecked a state vehicle while under the influence and glen turner was conficted of vote buying. as was johnny ray endicted. so do you think we need another 4 years of this. also on the comments made about benny ray he would have not stayed for 20 plus years if he had not supported eastern ky and been a good senator. thats why this will be johnny rays last term. he has his own agenda with his family of course. vote shane hamilton someone who cares and doesnt have his own agenda.

Posted by: THANKFUL! Location: Prestonsburg, Ky on May 1, 2008 at 01:39 AM
It is great to see WYMT News give a good un-bias interview on both candidates. Johnny Ray Turner has brought a lot to the people of the 29th district in his 8 short years in office.Most importantly he hasn't catered to one side.He has helped as a whole from young to old, black to white, and most importantly the poor. Just look around in Knott, Floyd, Magoffin and Letcher county and you will see how counties 20 years behind has been blessed with a soft spoken, educated, public servant by the name of Johhny Ray Turner. From the best I can gather Shane Hamilton professes good character but not good intentions.I do honestly believe that his uncle Benny Ray Bailey could have did a lot more for the 29th district,instead choosing to give what little tax dollars we do get to other counties. Clean and Safe drinking water was virtually unheard of until Johnny Ray Turner was elected in 2000.In a short time span after Johnny Ray was elected water/sewer projects popped up all over the 29th district

Posted by: James Meade Location: Prestonsburg, KY on Apr 30, 2008 at 11:40 PM
we the undersigned support Johnny Raye Turner for Senate James D Meade Teresa G Meade Judy S Meade James Akers and im sure the Kinzer and May family of Allen are largely in Support of Mr Turner for re election. Im the step son of Sharon Meade 1st cousin to Benny Raye Bailey one of which would know about Mr Baileys little ditry deeds James Meade

Posted by: James Meade Location: Prestonsburg, Ky on Apr 30, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Lol here we go again... Mr Benny Raye Bailey is wanting to return his family back to Frankfort. Back to power and comfort and to pour more money to his projects in Hazard. Not only is he running Shane but also hes running his son Benny Jr in Hazard district I hope you people see the writing on the wall. And once again thrust Mr Baily back into the lime life and once again destroying poeples reputations along the way. I hope the people of East Ky can see thru Mr Baileys Smoke Screen thats hes putting up. We know all about the past and his money that he helped pour into his projects in perry co while the rest of the counties done without. We need real leadership capablities that of which Mr Johnny Raye Turner has. Sure Mr Turner has stumbled along the way but he has done nothing im sure that Benny Raye Bailey hasnt done. Mr Turner was a teacher of mine while i was in attendance at Mcdowell High School. I find Mr Turner to be a very dignified proven leader and he has my families vote .

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