Central and Eastern Kentucky
(2009-10-27)
BOWLING GREEN
(Kentucky Public Radio) -
In appointing Republican Senator Dan Kelly to a circuit judgeship, Governor Beshear noted Kelly's "appropriate temperament and experience for the position." But the new majority floor leader of the Kentucky Senate is skeptical of the governor's motivations.
Senator Robert Stivers of Manchester replaces Dan Kelly as second-in-command in the Kentucky Senate. The Springfield Republican had been majority floor leader since 2000 when the GOP seized control of the Senate. By appointing Kelly to a judgeship, Senator Stivers believes Governor Beshear is one step closer to eroding the Republican advantage. He thinks its Beshear's attempt get more democrats in the Senate to pass his agenda, a large part of it being expanded gambling.
Earlier this year, the state Senate lost republican Charlie Borders when Governor Beshear appointed him to the Public Service Commission. Borders was replaced by a Democrat in a special election. Meanwhile, a special election is set for December 8th to fill Kelly's Senate seat.
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