VERSAILLES, Ky. - Republicans hold the majority in the Kentucky state Senate and they’re looking to gain control in the House, where Democrats outnumber the GOP 55-45.
A Woodford County resident says that shift starts with him being elected to the 56th District. Republican Party leaders nominated Lyen Crews Tuesday to run for the seat that was held by former Democratic Rep. Carl Rollins. Rollins resigned last week to take a job with the Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corp. and Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.
“For nearly a century now, Democrats have controlled the House of Representatives in Frankfort. They’ve followed in the footsteps of President Obama’s failed policies. I would like nothing more than to represent our district and send a message to Barack Obama and the Liberals in Washington and Frankfort,” Crews said.
State Representative Kelly Flood, a Democrat who served with Rollins on the House Education Committee, says it’s important for her party to maintain a majority in the House.
“It matters a great deal I think that Kentucky keep the blend of leadership. We see that it forces a level of compromise that is, in the end, better for public policy.”
On Monday attorney James Kay was named the Democratic nominee. The 30-year-old has worked as a legislative staffer and is making his first run for public office.
The 56th District covers all of Woodford County and parts of Franklin and Fayette counties. The special election is set for June 25.
