Farmer considering run for governor
Richie Farmer
By ROGER ALFORD – Associated Press Writer
FRANKFORT — University of Kentucky basketball icon Richie Farmer said Tuesday he is considering a run for governor on the Republican ticket.
The shooting guard on the legendary 1992 UK team dubbed “The Unforgettables” said Tuesday he has been “in discussions” about a possible run.
“I’m looking at options and seeing what people are saying,” Farmer said. “We may look at doing a poll a little later on.”
Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear is the only major candidate who has entered the race so far. Beshear and his running mate, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, have already begun fundraising.
Beshear chose Abramson as his running mate when Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo bowed out to run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Jim Bunning, who is retiring.
Beshear and Abramson share many political philosophies, including a pro-gambling stance. The governor has been pushing a proposal to legalize slots at the state’s horse tracks to generate more money for Kentucky’s struggling horse industry and to create new revenue for the state budget.
Gambling was a central issue in the last governor’s race and likely to be in the next one.
Farmer said he considers gambling an issue that should be decided by Kentuckians through a ballot referendum.
“I’ve always said we should let the people decide,” he said.
The Clay County native, who easily won two terms as state agriculture commissioner, has widespread name recognition across Kentucky. That “would play in his favor” if he were to enter the governor’s race, said University of Louisville political scientist Laura Rhodebeck.
Rhodebeck said others have used their popularity in athletics to catapult into politics, including Bunning, a former big-league pitcher now enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“I think there are plenty of fans who would see it as a real plus,” Rhodebeck said.
Farmer, who is limited to two terms as agriculture commissioner, gave no timeline for deciding on the governor’s race.
“I’m still concentrating on being the best commissioner I can possibly be,” he said. “I guess it’s flattering that people would consider you, and look at you that way. But, by the same token, I’m not getting blown away by it.”
About the Author: John Stamper is the accountability editor for the Lexington Herald-Leader. A native of Monticello, Ky., he has been with the Herald-Leader in a variety of roles since graduating from Western Kentucky University in 2000. Reach him at jstamper@herald-leader.com
Gov | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
oh gawd! let’s see how many big blue faithful vote for him cause he played ball here – YEARS AGO!
Buck Feshear | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Well it’s about time someone from the GOP actually stepped forth. Beshear and Abramson are out raising money right now and if Beshear doesn’t get a challenge from Stumbo in the primary, he’ll have all of that to use in the general election to mask his record of failure.
hugoo | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Good move.
Sign me up.
Run him with clean cut smart central Ky. legislator and you have a sure thing.
Delvin Smith | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
He is a joke!!!
Xstateworker | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
I felt the ground shake when I read the news. Richie will be tough to beat. Beshear will need LOTS of money to beat one of the “unforgetables.”
Delvin Smith | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
He is not even qualified for the job he has now much less to be governor. He uses his past UK interests to get these jobs and anyone who votes for him just because of that is a fool.
Gov | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
see, just read the posts above…people are blind and only care that he could dribble and shoot…like delvin said, he’s not qualified, but apparently that doesn’t matter to big blue nation….
Retired college guy | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Richie,
Do not fall victim to the career politician’s mistake of believing your own press releases. You’ve got a good elected job now, one where everyone knows you can’t do much harm, and perhaps a little good. And it is a job you can keep as long as you want it. But the governor’s job, even in Kentucky, requires some actual leadership experience and knowledge of state organization and finance. I do not think you have that skill set, Richie. Don’t run for governor. Stay where you are, out of the real political arena.
Richard | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
This democrat will VOTE for him!
Shorty Tigg | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
You got dat right!
conservative leaner | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Mr farmer has as much experience with 2 state trerms than mr beshear did with 1 lt gov joke term ! If you think hes not a leader ask Ky farmers what he has been able to do with the Ky proud program ? Bye Bye Steve
Kevin | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Will he take up residence in the newly proposed $7 million ‘Wildcat Coal Lodge’?
I suspect his bid for governor to run about as long as a professional football team in Lexington.
I can hear the campaign slogan now “I had a mean outside shot – I know farmers and Eastern Kentucky – and I have a mean outside shot…” I’ll vote for him if he shaves the mustache (the whole Magnum PI look just doesn’t work for me without the tight b-ball shorts), receives Masters degree in Public Administration, and can sustain a position for a period of 10 years on the merit of education and experience and NOT basketball.
JN | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
You have gotta be freakin’ kiddin’ me. Governor Richie Farmer? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Stick with agriculture, Rich. Please!
Bill Adkins | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
I’ve got two donkeys in my pasture, useless animals that they are, and they are both as equally qualified as Farmer to be governor and I would expect a better result from the donkeys. The state can have them gratis.
Larry | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
If your wife don’t agree, walk away and take on Ben Chandler. With his vote on government health care, cap and trade, etc. YOU WIN…two terms in US Congress and you walk into the governors mansion.
Get conservative and stay oonservative on the issues. I will even get you on Fox…
KY1911 | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Farmer has no business being in Frankfort…much less being in Frankfort as Governor. But living in this state my entire life has taught me one thing…you can never overestimate the stupidity of the average Kentuckian.
Larry | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
That is why we need him in D.C. He will fit right in with all the loons
Mark B. | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
A “hayseed” like Little Richie needs to stay in agriculture
John Johnson | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Does Richie understand he would probably be required to spend at least part of his time in Frankfort for this job? Because he barely knows his way to Frankfort right now, after spending six years drawing a check for being an elected official.
Open records request his schedules to document how little time he spends at work now.
special delivery | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
what a joke
Dave Longone | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Why do you fools keep saying he isn’t qualified for Agg.commish? He has a degree in aggriculture with a minor in business agg. As far as being in Frankfort, he lives there so he must leave home alot to never be in Frankfort. Also, what exactly qualifies you for governor? Haters!!!!! He will be tough to handle if he runs, but I don’t see him running for gov.
Tammy | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
For those of you who say Commissioner Farmer isn’t qualified for the job he has now…. Farmer has a Bachelor of Science degree from UK, double major, ag economics and agribusiness management. He definitely has the eduction for the job.
Ron | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
ky1911, your post makes it sound like you are what you think the average Kentuckian is.
Ron | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
delvin smith, if you want a real joke…..just look in the mirror
hahahahaha | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
since folks are bragging about his education credentials…let’s see his grades (other candidates have released them in the past)…can he answer questions about issues like patton, clinton, and sanford…can he answer what he’s done…and hello, republicans…he has like one republican in his office who can’t hack it anywhere else so he’s a hack there…uses his staff to retrieve his kids at school, etc. if even a semi-intelligent candidate is wanted then it must be someone other than this buffoon who’s made it this far because he can coordinate blue and white.
Bill Smith | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
oh dear god. richie? don’t do this i could never vote for you you can’t even run Ag right let alone an entire state government. it’s best to stay home because this is an away game for you.
handiman | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
The bigger question is “Why would he want to be governor?” He will inherit a 1.5 billion dollar budget deficit, 15% unemployment,and no hope for enough new jobs to somewhat offset the unemployment.
Who knows what the qualifications are?
Just look at the past two knuckleheads we elected!
I doubt either could make a profit in a brothel.
Buck Feshear | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Actually I’d like to see the governor — any governor — out in the state more and in Frankfort less. With teleconferencing, blackberries and all the modern technology, there is no reason for the governor’s butt to be glued to that chair in the back center suite of the Capitol.
mo_ky_fellow | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
I am a democrat and I can honestly say that I think this is a great idea. Throw in your hat Richie, you have my support and vote.
GinaL | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
He can’t be serious! He is about as qualified to be governor as I am, maybe less so. Playing basktball and commissioner of agriculture is hardly credentials for being governor. Surely the people of Kentucky are not dumb enough to vote for Richie Farmer but then again Kentuckians have done some dumb stuff in the past.
Lynn | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
LMAO
By the way, Richie, the job is in Frankfort (Kentucky). Frankfort is the Kentucky State Capitol.
mike | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
He is not qualified to hold the governor’s office. I like him, sure, he is one of the unforgetables, but he just doesn’t have the background to bone fide candidate. We need someone that has the ability to bring change, no more status quo.
Thunder Storm | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
I can’t believe some of the things I’m reading? Do you people not know where we live?
We live in one of the poorest most uneducated, jobless, minimum wage non-job creating, most smokers, most teenage pregnancies,economically deprived, and the nation\’s highest rate of child deaths related to abuse and neglect.
All this with supposedly experienced, polished, life-long politicians. Super educated lobby owned politicians.
Why not give a fellow who is not owned by special interests, not bought and paid for by Kentucky\’s elite a chance to run for Governor.
A box of rocks cannot do a worse job than the people we keep electing every cycle. Its time for incumbents and the old guard to go. Their only purpose is to enrich their cronies, themselves and their friends.
If Richie runs, I will donate the max, I will volunteer for his campaign and whatever else is needed.
Electric Bill | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
You’ve got that right about the stupidity of the average Kentuckian.
jacob freeman | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
If he were a one term Senator whose only qualification was being a “community organizer” I would say you’re right, he is not qualified……………Ritchie Farmer has my Vote!
Thunder Storm | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
To John Johnson,
Your post shows how much you pay attention to things. Richie has lived in Frankfort for years.
John Johnson | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
He’s not there, Thunder Storm. I know exactly where he’s supposed to be, and he’s never there. Never.
Thunder Storm | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
He lives in Ridgeview estates. I know exactly where he lives.
Oriskany | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
Go Rtchie! You’ve got this “fools” vote. Don’t worry what the press says they’re a bunch of liberal cheer leaders.
careeragdeptreg | Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
I’m still concentrating on being the best commissioner I can possibly be,\” he said in one article…well, you have a few years left actually do something and quit travelling around with our director John Roberts all the time doing nothing…and give some duties to Mr. Maffett and others…none of us are sure what any of you do if anything.
Jim Anderson Stivers | Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
Have the disgruntled voters forgotten about the continuous back lash to Fletcher?
This is one thing Farmer will have to contend with if he is to make an honest run instead of a Cameo appearnence.
The gambling issue has become so decisive in Kentucky that a portion of the Democrats would vote for another candidate over Steve Beshear. This administration has been obsessed with extended gambling as if the money they project from gambling will not cover the next budget.
This Governor has already spent over $750 Million dollars of one time stimulus money.
And from a Democratic Governor where Steve Beshear was nowhere to be found during the campaign.
Keep says extended gambling with bring about $500 Million to the state treasurer.
Now, if the KEEP ORGANIZATON convinces Beshear to divide the money with the HORSIE SET then where is Kentucky generating enough money to even match the 750 Million, Three quarters of a billion, to plug the hole the stimulus money generated?
There is a lot more to getting Kentucky on the RIGHT TRACK and not on THE HORSE TRACK.
I wonder with this strong action by our Governor is he polarizing our citizens that have just heard enough about MONEY AND HORSES?
Without adequate, intelligent tax reform Kentucky will be in worst condition next budget than they are now.
Seems like a puppy chasing his tail. But what does he do , if he catches it.
GAMBLING will not pay the bills.
“I just want to say!”
Jim Anderson Stivers
Frankfort
Jim Anderson Stivers | Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
DEMOCRAT PRESIDENT.
My bad. JAS
newferry | Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
Put Richie n the game Coach!
agdeptfountain | Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
my god, you think state government suffered under fletcher…imagine it 4 years after this idiot and his little butt wiping boys around him in charge. richie farmer in charge of medicaid cost reductions, energy efficiency, federal money for roads, aaahhh!!!!!!!
Gross | Oct 30, 2009 | Reply
This man is unbelieveably arrogant and seems like a big sleezeball. He once came into our business place and said to one of our employees, “You know who I am? I’m a big deal here.” He continued to try to force his way into our area of employees as if he worked there. It was just an example of how cocky this guy can be. He basically left our whole staff feeling like, “Ugh, what an a!shole.”
I can’t vote for somebody like that because you have to question his motives for wanting to be in office. He obviously has some issues with authority and wanting to be in power, recognized and a big-wig of Kentucky politics.