Mongiardo looks to Collins for help

Democratic state Sen. Daniel Mongiardo of Hazard said he’s receiving “a lot of pressure” from Democrats to run for governor.

Mongiardo said he has spoken with past and current party leaders, including former Democratic Gov. Martha Layne Collins.

“I have spoken with her and asked for advice and counsel,” Mongiardo said. “I respect her.”

Mongiardo, 46, said he’s continuing to talk with other Democrats about running on a ticket with him. He narrowly lost to Republican Jim Bunning in the 2004 U.S. Senate race and was vice chairman of the state Democratic Party in 2003.

Collins, who turns 70 on Dec. 7, was governor from 1983 to 1987 and recruited Toyota to build its factory in Georgetown.

- Ryan Alessi