The fate of Kentucky’s tenuous Democratic majority in the House of Representatives hangs in the balance Tuesday as voters determine the outcome of four special elections.
The drumbeat for a GOP takeover of the House has been loud since Republicans swept several statewide offices including the governorship last November. With members exiting the Democratic caucus through defection and appointments, Republicans have been nipping at the majority’s heels for months, dropping hints of an impending leadership shuffle.
House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover famously suggested during January's Kentucky Chamber Day event that it could soon be a "historic day in the Commonwealth of Kentucky." And while that prediction fizzled, big changes could be in store this Tuesday as four House seats are filled through special elections – possibly tipping the balance of power and opening the floodgates for long-stymied Republican legislation.
Democrats currently hold a 50-46 lead. A Republican rout, combined with the absence of a Democratic lawmaker recovering from a heart operation, could swing control to the GOP.
Close to home, Democrat Chuck Tacket and Republican Phillip Pratt are vying for the 62nd House District, which includes parts of Fayette County. Meanwhile, two Danville attorneys – Daniel Elliot and Bill Noelker – are seeking the 54th District seat representing parts of Boyle and Casey County. The 8th and 98th Districts are also up for grabs.
Registered Democrats outnumber the competition in three of the districts, but Republicans could enjoy more momentum coming off of the party’s presidential caucus on Saturday.
