Kentucky: One Potential Candidate Out

​Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes (D), who attracted national political attention in her unsuccessful 2014 US Senate race against then-Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R), was another potential candidate said to be considering challenging Gov. Matt Bevin (R) later this year.  Yesterday, Ms. Grimes said she will not become a candidate for Governor or any other office in 2019.  She is ineligible to seek re-election to a third term as Secretary of State. 
 
Currently in the Democratic field are Attorney General Andy Beshear, former state Auditor Adam Edelen, and state House Minority Leader Rocky Adkins (D-Sandy Hook).  Gov. Bevin, who has yet to file a re-election committee even though the candidate filing deadline is fast approaching on January 29th, has drawn GOP opposition from state Rep. Robert Goforth (R-East Bernstadt), while US Rep. James Comer (R-Tompkinsville) continues to drop hints that he may yet enter the race.  In 2015, Mr. Comer, then the state Agriculture Commissioner, lost a bitter gubernatorial primary to Mr. Bevin by just 83 votes statewide.