REP. ROCKY ADKINS MAKES CLEAR HE’S ‘IN THIS RACE TO WIN IT’ AS HE FILES PAPERWORK FOR GUBERNATORIAL BID

Democrat Rocky Adkins said Thursday he’s more encouraged than ever about his chances in Kentucky’s gubernatorial race.

Adkins, the veteran lawmaker from the Appalachian town of Sandy Hook, spoke with reporters after he and his running mate, Stephanie Horn of Louisville, filed candidacy papers in the secretary of state’s office.

Democrat House leader Rocky Adkins filed to run for governor Thursday in Frankfort. After three decades representing the people of eastern Kentucky, this will be Adkin’s first try at a statewide election. (Photo by Patricia Longmire, Kentucky Today)

“We’re in this race to win it,” said Adkins, who raised $620,000 within weeks of announcing his intention to run last November.

Adkins promised Thursday to “bring respect and decency” to the governor’s office.

“People want a governor they can talk to,” he said. “They want a governor they can carry on a conversation with. They want a governor that they believe can work across party aisles.”

Adkins is the third Democrat to file for governor. Attorney General Andy Beshear and former state employee Geoff Young are the other two. Former state Auditor Adam Edelen has said he intends to run but hasn’t filed yet.

“I am running because Kentuckians deserve a governor who will stand up for them,” Adkins said. “People are hungry to have someone in the governor’s office who’s like them – someone they can connect to – someone who will bring decency and respect back to the governor’s office.”

Adkins, who is making his first bid for statewide office, is marketing himself as a candidate who can win the support of rural Democrats who have been throwing their support to GOP candidates.

Adkins has spent more than three decades in the legislature, including a long stint as majority floor leader. Horne is an attorney, businesswoman and former Jefferson County school board member.

On the GOP side, two longshot candidates have filed to run against Gov. Matt Bevin.

By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today