EKB News

A western Kentucky businessman is entering next year's governor's race to offer voters an alternative in the GOP primary to Gov. Ernie Fletcher, he said in an interview Thursday. Fletcher, during his first three years in office, has squandered his ability to win a second term, Billy Harper, the governor's former political ally, said in an interview with The Associated Press. Harper, a construction company owner, worked as the governor's statewide campaign finance chairman during the 2003 governor's race, which led to Fletcher becoming the state's first Republican governor in more than 30 years. Now, he's seeking to unseat Fletcher who has already announced his plans for re-election and raised more than $1 million toward that goal.