Stumbo Running FRANKFORT, KY (WEKU) - Ending months of speculation, Rep. Greg Stumbo of Prestonsburg is making it official. He's running for the top leadership position in the Kentucky House.

He's been testing the waters for months, talking to House colleagues and gauging support, and now, the former House majority leader says he's in. He's definitely running for House Speaker in January.

"I've been calling members today and that's correct, I'm announcing my candidacy to the general membership, both Democrats and Republicans."

Stumbo, who has been friends with House Speaker Jody Richards for years, says it's nothing personal. He just believes Richards has lost the confidence of the chamber.

"So, I'm gonna offer some ideas about changes we can make, how we can conduct ourselves better, how we can get along with each other better."

Speaker Richards, who has been in the House since 1976, is the longest serving Speaker in Kentucky history. He's been wielding the gavel since 1995.

UPDATE: Speaker Richards later issued a statement expressing confidence he will be elected to another two-year term.
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