New governor candidate adds another Louisville Republican to race

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By Elizabeth Donatelli - bio | email

FRANKFORT, KY (WAVE) - After months of announcements and speculation Kentuckians now know who will be running for the top seven offices in the state. One of whom is a long time Jefferson County office holder, Bobbie Holsclaw. She adds another Republican in the mix to divide the votes for governor and another one from Louisville.

"I think it's time that there's a bluer sky over Kentucky," said Holsclaw, the Jefferson County Clerk.

Holsclaw filed for governor with running mate Bill Vermillion, a retired U.S. Navy officer and a school teacher at Shawnee. Vermillion has never held elected office, but that didn't stop him from coming out swinging against his opponents, David Williams and Richie Farmer, who played basketball at the University of Kentucky.

"I may not be able to dribble a basketball, but I'll tell you what--I can jump out of an airplane, carry and M1 on my side, I can hit the deck running, and I'm not afraid of hard work," said Vermillion.

The newcomers both think they can take on that ticket.

"It's been a blame game," said Holsclaw. "David Williams blames (Gov.) Steve Beshear. Steve Beshear blames David Williams, and I've come to the conclusion and really what put me over the edge is the fact that they're both right. They're both at fault."

Holsclaw said she is in favor of neighborhood schools, but wouldn't say if she supported Williams' bill on it. We also asked Holsclaw about splitting the Jefferson County vote with the other Republican gubernatorial candidate.

"I'm sure there're people out there that like Phil Moffett," said Holsclaw. "Hopefully a few more people will like me better than Phil Moffett or David Williams."

There are seven open positions in six races this year. Four of the 27 candidates are from Louisville. There will be no challenges in either party for Attorney General and a pasture full of candidates, seven to be exact, for Agriculture Commissioner, the office Farmer currently holds.