9th Senate District: Newberry announces, assuring a Democrat primary

Ronnie Ellis has an article in the Glasgow Daily Times about Steve Newberry's announcement that he will challenge John Rogers in the Democrat primary for Sen. Richie Sanders' open senate seat. Newberry, the brother of Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry, has assured the Democrats will have a primary in the race to succeed Sanders. Publisher Jeff Jobe has announced he will run for the Republican nomination.

Ellis says:

Democrat Steve Newberry, president and CEO of Commonwealth Broadcasting, announced Monday before about 65 supporters in the Glasgow City Council chambers that he’s running for Sanders’ seat. Newberry is originally from Hiseville in northern Barren County, and the brother of Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry who attended Monday’s press conference. Their father, James Newberry, once held the state Senate seat from 1956 to 1967 when Republican Walter Baker won the seat.

Expect a competitive race between Rogers and Newberry. While we believe this race is one of the Democrats' few chances to pick up a Republlican seat in the state senate, a competitive primary will delay any fundraising efforts of Governor-elect Beshear until after the primary. Republican Senate President David Williams is focused on retaining this seat. Expect the GOP nominee to receive solid financial support from RPK and the Senate Republicans' caucus funds. Read Ellis' entire article here.

Comments

[eg]

A competitive race it will be. Rogers is the more experienced, solid candidate. He has a fresh perspective on the issues yet enough experience to make a difference for the 9th district. He has my vote.