Former state Rep. Rex Smith will seek the Democratic nomination for the 2nd District state Senate seat of independent Bob Leeper.
It sets the stage for a potentially heated and expensive race next year that will attract statewide attention. Issues include whether the Senate is controlled by Republicans or Democrats, efforts by Gov. Steve Beshear to expand gambling at racetracks, and redistricting after the 2010 census.
The district encompasses McCracken, Marshall and Ballard counties. Smith called Leeper on Tuesday afternoon to inform him of his intention to run.
Leeper has held the seat since 1991. He was elected to two terms as a Democrat, one term as a Republican and in 2006 was elected as the Senate’s only independent. He caucuses with Republicans, who hold a 20-17 margin in the Senate, and is chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
Smith served as the 4th District state representative from 1986 until 1994, when he did not seek re-election. At the time, Smith said he needed to spend time with his young family and his family business, Jim Smith Contracting.
“Ever since I’ve gotten out, I’ve been encouraged to run for some office,” Smith said. “The time is now right, and I’ve got a desire to serve. We need a change in leadership in Frankfort to move the state forward.”
Smith has been active in civic affairs and recently completed a term as chairman of the Greater Paducah Economic Development Council.
Smith has the ability to personally fund his campaign, but said he plans to seek contributions from individuals who encouraged him to run and back his candidacy.
Leeper said he isn’t concerned that he might be outspent.
“I’ve always been blessed to raise the amount of money I needed, although it wasn’t always the most amount of money,” Leeper said.
In 2006, he raised and spent $104,000 while Carroll Hubbard, his Democratic opponent, spent $222,000. Leeper won by 58 votes.
Leeper said he isn’t sure what issues will develop, but said one may be expanded gambling.
“If he was recruited to run, I assume it was by the governor, who supports expanded gambling,” said Leeper, who opposes expanding gambling.
Smith said he’s opposed to widespread gambling but will talk with party leaders about limited expanded gambling at racetracks.
“We need to do something to support the horse industry, especially breeders,” Smith said. “I can’t say that I would not support something to help the racing industry, which is very important to Kentucky.”
Paducah attorney Glenn Denton was considering running for the seat as a Democrat, but said he’ll back Smith.
“Rex is a great candidate,” Denton said. “He’s got a good name, a good reputation, a good family, has strong faith and has previous legislative experience.”
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