Monday, February 26, 2007
Governors Second In Command Bucks Boss; Backs Opposition
The governor's second in command jumped ship on Monday and endorsed an opponent in the May 22 primary election. Lt. Gov. Steve Pence threw his support to former Congresswoman Anne Northup, a Louisville Republican who entered the governor's race saying the incumbent's legal turmoil has rendered him politically vulnerable to Democrats. Pence, who had already refused to run for re-election with Gov. Ernie Fletcher, had publicly questioned whether the first Republican governor elected in Kentucky in more than 30 years could win re-election in the wake of a grand jury investigation into the administration's hiring practices.
Fletcher drew two Republican opponents, Northup and Paducah businessman Billy Harper. Both said the first-term governor has been damaged beyond political repair and would be a weak candidate to put up against Democrats in the November election. Seven Democrats, all critical of Fletcher, are also vying for the top job in Kentucky, one of three states that will elect a governor in 2007.
Fletcher drew two Republican opponents, Northup and Paducah businessman Billy Harper. Both said the first-term governor has been damaged beyond political repair and would be a weak candidate to put up against Democrats in the November election. Seven Democrats, all critical of Fletcher, are also vying for the top job in Kentucky, one of three states that will elect a governor in 2007.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:20 PM 
