Politicos have been chirping behind the scenes that House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, is on the fence about another term in office.
Osborne has served in the state legislature since his election in November of 2005 and attained the position as a sexual harassment scandal rocked Frankfort and led to former House Speaker Jeff Hoover’s resignation from the leadership post. He was initially reticent in 2018 to ascend to the post of House Speaker, as he owns a successful business as an owner and breeder of Thoroughbred racehorses and Saddlebred show horses.
With four years as House Speaker by the end of his current term, Osborne is contemplating his future in state politics. He has not filed paperwork with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance this year to raise money for another campaign. As of the publication of this article he had not filed paperwork with the Secretary of State to seek another term, though the filings just opened this week.
At least one source says with a high degree of assurance that Osborne will seek another term, but others are less sure of the House Speaker’s thinking.
- ON THE MOVE: John Hughes joined the Kentucky Chamber as their Public Affairs Manager this week. Hughes left his post with Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron where he served as a legislative liaison. Hughes was close to Cameron on his 2019 campaign, acting as his campaign manager and political director during the GOP primary. He has connections to the state legislature as well, he served as the staff assistant to the Speaker of the House from Dec. 2018 to Jan. 2019.
- Warren Co. Judge Executive Mike Buchanon is NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION. Buchanon has served seven-terms as judge executive.
“I have decided not to run for re-election next year. I plan to continue to work hard for the next 14 months through the end of next year,” Buchanon told WBKO. “Although it’s been a difficult decision to leave the job I love and the relationships I’ve built over the years, I am confident that the current magistrates have the experience and seasoned skills to continue leading this county in a positive direction.”
- Kentuckians in the National News: Louisville Metro Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong penned an op-ed in the Washington Post this week critical of J.D. Vance. “I used to be upset when J.D. Vance called himself a hillbilly. Now, I’m upset that he stopped.” LINK
- The New Yorker: A Retiring Democrat Places Blame for Paralysis in Congress. John Yarmuth speaks out against Democrats and Republicans, including President Joe Biden. LINK
REPUBLICANS SWEPT KY SPECIAL ELECTIONS. Three seats previously held by Republicans will stay under Republican control next year.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Gov. Andy Beshear’s senior Advisor Rocky Adkins turned 62 on Thursday. Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, Rep. DJ Johnson, R-Owensboro, and Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, also celebrated birthdays this week.
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