Fletcher files for re-election

FRANKFORT — Gov. Ernie Fletcher took the leap today, officially filing his papers and the required $500 to seek re-election next year, curbing speculation that he might not try for a second term.

Fletcher, who became Kentucky’s first Republican governor in 32 years after a 10 percentage point win in 2003, waited nearly three weeks after the filing period began to turn his campaign papers into the Secretary of State’s office.

The filing moves the spotlight of the governors race back on the Republican incumbent and temporarily away from the Democrats, who continue to meet and talk amongst themselves about potential candidates.

So far, Democrats have failed to offer any names other than Harlan County resident Otis Hensley, who ran a limited campaign four years ago.

One of Fletcher’s aides, Tymanda Slone, walked the re-election forms down the Capitol hallway from the governor’s suite of offices at 4:30 p.m. today, just before the Secretary of State’s office closed.

The papers require four witnesses to sign on the candidates’ behalf. Fletcher and running mate Robbie Rudolph, the governor’s executive cabinet secretary, got the signatures from four administration aides: Slone; governor’s mansion executive director Kenneth Bishop; Fletcher’s chief of staff Stan Cave; and First Lady Glenna Fletcher’s chief of staff, Cherrilee Moore.

Read Tuesday's Herald-Leader for more details.

- Ryan Alessi