Ditty plans rematch against Webb for Senate seat

Dr. Jack Ditty

FRANKFORT – Republican Jack Ditty, a Greenup County dermatologist who narrowly lost a special state Senate election in August to Democrat Robin Webb, said Friday he will run next year for a full four-year term for the office.

“I’m definitely running. I’ve never stopped running and believe with the experience I got in my first bid for public office, I can win,” Ditty said in a telephone interview.

Webb, who won the special election race for the 18th Senate District race in northeastern Kentucky by 282 votes, said she is not surprised that there will be a repeat race next year.

“I feel good about what I’m doing, enjoying it and am honored that the people have sent me to the Senate,” said Webb, adding that she will file to run for the office next year after Christmas.

The 18th District covers Mason, Bracken, Robertson, Carter, Greenup and Lewis counties.

Webb’s victory allowed Democrats to chip away at Republican control of the Senate and put Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear closer to his goal of allowing slot machines at horse racetracks.

Webb, as a state representative, voted for a bill in the House in June that would have allowed video lottery terminals at racetracks. The bill died in the Senate budget committee. Ditty opposes expanded gambling.

Another special state Senate election is to be held Tuesday. If Democrat Jodie Haydon wins over Republican Jimmy Hidgon in the 14th Senate District that covers Marion, Mercer, Nelson, Taylor and Washington counties, the GOP margin of control in the Senate will only be 19-18-1.

–Jack Brammer