wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather & SportsWilliams, Farmer announce political decision

By Matt McCutcheon - e-mail | bio

FRANKFORT, KY (WAVE) – After months of speculation, the rumors were put to rest Wednesday morning after Senate President David Williams and Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer announced their intentions to run for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

The two made the announcement at a press conference in Frankfort Wednesday.

"We believe that this state is adrift and that we need a positive pro job agenda," said Williams.

Williams didn't waste time criticizing the current administration.

"Education has been one of my most ardent pursuits," said Williams. "Since I've been in the Kentucky General Assembly we've tried to be fiscally responsible. We've tried to take care of the pension situation, and a lot of these issues that were addressed just seem to not be on Gov. Beshear's agenda."

Likewise Williams has been criticized for being a polarizing figure. During the announcement the Kentucky Democratic Party left a flier on the media cars with a statement. 

"I believe that Kentuckians, both Democrats and many Republicans are as happy as I am that we finally get a chance to cast a ballot against the man who has turned the State Senate into a place where good ideas go to die," wrote Dan Logsdon, Chair and Executive Director of the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Williams said he thinks conservative and moderate Democrats will support his ticket.

"I don't expect democratic politicians to be gleeful about the entry of David Williams and Richie Farmer into the governor's race. They see us as a real threat

It wasn't much of a surprise; in fact, it was much anticipated, especially since a website was created before the announcement - williamsfarmer.com - which listed "Williams, Governor; Farmer, Lieutenant Governor."  It also featured a countdown clock to their 11 a.m. announcement on September 1.

Just a week prior, on Aug. 26 at the Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast, the two danced around the issue repeatedly.

Senator Williams told WAVE 3's Matt McCutcheon on that date that he and Farmer "had been having great discussions about what we believe we should do and what's best for the future of Kentucky."

Meanwhile, Farmer said, "David Williams is somebody I have a lot of respect for. He's very, very intelligent and he understands state government as well as anybody."

The two wouldn't give a timeline at the breakfast about their announcement and many thought it would come during the breakfast event, which it did not.

Meanwhile, Louisville businessman Phil Moffett has announced he will be at least one other person seeking the GOP nomination for Governor.

Now that we're starting to get a clearer look at the make-up of the Republican gubernatorial ticket, Democrat incumbent Governor Steve Beshear continues his campaign push, with outgoing Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson as his running mate.

WAVE 3 caught up with Mayor Abramson Wednesday morning, September 1, to get his reaction to the announcement of the Williams-Farmer Republican ticket.

Abramson says he feels comfortable with Governor Beshear's achievements, and thinks it will speak well to voters.

"I think he's done an outstanding job during some very difficult financial times.  I think his track record will be well respected and appreciated by the folks in the Commonwealth and we'll be laying out a vision for the future as we go forward," Mayor Abramson said.

When asked if he viewed Williams and Farmer as a threat, Abramson said, "Well, you know, every election has competition.  That's what's great about this country!  We'll have a clear difference of opinion I'm sure on certain things and probably agree on some and then people will have to make the decision in terms of what they want for the future of Kentucky."

Ultimately, voters will decide in the 2011 Primary and later in the General Election.

WAVE 3 political reporter Elizabeth Donatelli also contributed to this story.

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