Independent files for special state Senate race

FRANKFORT — Guy E. Gibbons Jr. of Greenup County filed Monday as an independent candidate in the Aug. 25 special election for a state Senate seat from northeastern Kentucky.

Gibbons, 60, will run against Democrat Robin Webb of Carter County and Republican Jack Ditty of Greenup County in the special election Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear called to fill the vacancy in the 18th Senate District created when Republican Charlie Borders of Grayson resigned earlier this month from the Senate to accept an appointment at the Public Service Commission.

The district covers Bracken, Carter, Greenup, Lewis, Mason and Robertson counties.

In a telephone interview, Gibbons said no one from either the Republican or Democratic Party urged him to enter the race to try to split the vote. Greenup County is the most populous in the district.

“I ddi this on my own,’ he said.

Gibbons said he is a semi-retired construction worker and farmer, a member of the Kentucky Farm Bureau board and a former member of the Flatwoods City Council. He also said he once ran for county commissioner.

Asked why he is running, Gibbons said, “I want to see some difference made in Frankfort. I don’t think the job is getting done.”

Gibbons said he think he has “somewhat of a chance” to win the race because “the others are backed by political parties.”

“I will be actively campaigning,” he said.

The race is expected to draw considerable attention as Democrats try to cut into the Republican majority. Republicans now control the 38-member Senate 20-16, with one independent and the vacant seat.

–Jack Brammer

Filed Under: Democratic Party • Elections • Featured • KY General Assembly • Republican Party • Steve Beshear