Richie Farmer mulling bid for governor, but reallys wants UK athletics job
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer
MORE: Farmer spends big on vehicles while other agencies cut back
By Jack Brammer – jbrammer@herald-leader.com
LOUISVILLE — State Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said Thursday he has not ruled out a bid for governor next year but that his “dream job” would be athletics director at the University of Kentucky.
In recent weeks, Farmer has been mentioned as a possible candidate for lieutenant governor in 2011 on a slate with Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville.
Talking to reporters before the 47th annual Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast sponsored by the Kentucky Farm Bureau at the state fair, Farmer said he expects to announce his exact political plans within a few weeks after the fair ends this weekend.
“Certainly after the fair I will make sure to let everybody know what my plans are,” Farmer said, noting that running for secretary of state or some other constitutional office is an option.
Farmer said he “will be running for something” next year but would prefer being UK’s athletics director. He quickly added that he does not think that’s an option for him now.
Mitch Barnhart, who has been UK’s athletics director since 2002, did not respond to a phone call and e-mail for comment.
Farmer, a star basketball player at UK in the 1990s, said he has talked to Williams about a possible slate next year and that they have discussed who would be at the top of ticket.
“My family is the most important thing to me,” said Farmer. “I have three boys who are 13, 11 and 8, and I have to try to do what is right for them.”
Farmer called Williams “somebody I have a lot of respect for. He’s very, very intelligent. He understands state government probably as well as anybody.”
He acknowledged they could end up as rivals in next year’s contest for the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Told that Farmer has not ruled out a bid for governor, Williams said Farmer and he have been in “constant communication with each other” and that they will announce “the right decision soon.”
Asked what he considers the right decision to be, Williams said, “The right decision will be the right decision.
“We have a common view of the vision of Kentucky, and we will be making an announcement about both of our futures shortly.”
Asked if would consider being the No. 2 spot on a gubernatorial slate, Williams again said they will announce their political plans soon.
Filed Under: Elections • Governor's Race • Republican Party • Richie Farmer • State Government
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
So much interesting contents here! You can go to see promotional gifts ,just have a look,right now.ags,Chanel Purses have also sweep across the globe for a long time until now.
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
Saw your Webpage bookmarked on Reddit.I appreciate your web site and marketing technique. Check out my Farmville Guidebook in the event you get yourself a moment -
This is the best weblog for anyone who wants to know about this subject. You know a lot its virtually challenging to argue with you . You certainly place a new spin on the topic thats been composed about for many years. Fantastic things, just fantastic!
I hope you have a nice day! Very good article, well wridddtten and very thought out. I am looking forward to reading more of your posts in the future.