BIG BUZZ: Tim Couch considering run for public office

Republican circles have been buzzing recently with the news that their ranks might again be bolstered by a Kentucky sports icon.  Sources say that former University of Kentucky football star Tim Couch is mulling a run for public office as a member of the GOP. 

The options being considered by Couch, who lives in Lexington, include challenging Rep. Ben Chandler in 2010, or making a run for the open Secretary of State position in 2011. Or, if Sen. Jim Bunning decides to retire, Couch could make a run for the U.S. Senate next year.  A bid for Senate would complicate a potential GOP primary, which would include Secretary of State Trey Grayson and possibly others.

Couch, who was the number one pick in the 1999 NFL draft and played for the Cleveland Browns, would benefit from near-universal name recognition and experience in the public arena.  He is said to be close to Republican Congressman Hal Rogers and other high-profile Kentucky Republicans, including UK football coach Rich Brooks. 

Couch is married to the 1999 Playboy Playmate of the year and former Barker's Beauty Heather Kozar.  We'll leave it to other pundits to hash out the +/- of that.

Comments

[Don't Be a Jack@$$]

A Senate run would be a horrible career move. Almost as bad as foregoing a senior season to go to the Butchered-Davis Browns. Tim needs time to mature politically, and a cramped Senate primary is not the place.

I would say the 6th CD or SoS would fit better for a first timer. I would love to see those numbers.

Kick some Chandler @$$ Tim!

Well now, is it going to be another three weeks before the next post on this blog?

If Tim Couch wants to run he needs to challenge Ben Chandler.

There's already a Tim Couch in Kentucky GOP politics. He's a state representative and is also from Hyden. I've met him and used to like him politically until he did something stupid in 2007.

Can he talk better than Richie? Let's hope so. Is he as lazy as Richie? Let's hope not.

[Cyberhillbilly]

I thought Tim was a Dem? His dad was and so was his brother as I recall.

[Snuffy Shapiro]

It would be nice if the Republicans put up SOMEBODY against Prince Ben.

Have Mrs. Couch mud rassle Heather for charity.

[Cyberhillbilly]

I always thought Greg was a Democrat. His dad and brother were... at least I thought they were.

[Cyberhillbilly]

If he's running against Chandler he's had a change of heart... from the KY Registry of Election Finance:

COUCH, TIM
2110 NORTH OCEAN BOULEVARD
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, 333050000
Employer : JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Occupation : PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER INDIVIDUAL Contribution
$1,000.00 on 09/07/2007
BESHEAR, STEVEN for
SLATE - STATEWIDE
GENERAL - 11/06/2007

----------------------------------------------------

COUCH, TIMOTHY
1360 E. 9TH STREET, STE. 100
CLEVELAND, OH, 441141730
Employer : CLEVELAND BROWNS
Occupation : PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER INDIVIDUAL Contribution
$1,000.00 on 03/20/2003
CHANDLER, A. for
SLATE - STATEWIDE
PRIMARY - 05/20/2003

I've heard tales about Elbert Couch (Tim's dad). Let's just say he has a lot in common with Greg Stumbo.

Tim Couch is waaaay too lazy to run for Congress.

...experience in the public arena...Pray tell what that would be for Couch.

[good grief]

just what we need...another dumb jock in Frankfort. Look at Richie Farmer...uses Republicans to get elected and doesn't have a damn one on his staff. Will Couch be the same way? Probably. Why would you support a candidate who then abandons you when he/she is done using you. Sadly, Kentucky voters have proven at least several times (look at Farmer) that experience or a semblance of intelligence is NOT necessary for them to vote for you as a candidate. Sad day indeed!

You can't spell suck without uk. Well, maybe Richie Farmer could.

You mean Tim's daddy has an invisible driver too, 3:26? Where do you get one of those? Is that a mountain thang?

I smell a RHINO! This has nasty primary and party switch/Democrat general election endorsement written all over it.

7:16, not necessarily an invisible driver, but a weakness for the bottle.

Any Couch contributions to Republicans?

[honestabe]

well I was all for it till I saw where he had been donating to Chandler and Besheared....wont get ole Abe's support...no way no how.....go GOP or go home!!!!!

Two people won't support Couch because he didn't try to save Saint Ernie from himself.

What is it with all the Richie Farmer bashing. Yes he used the state GOP to get elected, yet he is lazy but he is the State Agricultural Commissioner and that position is about as necessary as a State Ass-wiping Commissioner. What was the last thing of any importance or relevance that came from that office other than when Kentucky Democrats have traditionally used it as a stepping stone to higher (actually important) statewide office? I mean Florida used to have one of those as well until a state constitutional amendment in 2000 was passed by the voters that abolished it along with a few other statewide offices.
Richie Farmer just needed an easy do-nothing job that involved using his state celebrity and the office of State Agricultural Commissioner fills the bill. You will not likely see him ever fun for state treasurer, state auditor or secretary of state because that means he would actually have to do something.

[Aaron]

I think Greyson has done a fine job and should be able to hold his own in a crowded primary against Couch.

Since when did political newbies have a chance to run for such high offices with no expereince? I don't care how good you are at games...

Great, and now we have an ambulance-chaser running for Guthrie's seat.

I like this here Heather much much much more!

That's one seriously good looking woman..take that Bruce Lunsford.