Decision 2007: A look at Kentucky

We here at Politics-Central are going to take a twist amd step away from the 2008 Presidential Race and use blog space to anaylize the 2007 Gubernatorial Races.

Kentucky Governor Race

GOP Incumbant Ernie Fletcher has announced he will seek another term as governor. With Fletcher's low approval ratings and with the rising momentum since their November victory Democrats see this as a easy pick-up.

The Candidates and Possible Candidates

Republicans
(R)Ernie Fletcher-State Governor, Ex. U.S. Congressman,Ex. State Rep.
(R)Anne Northup-Out going U.S. Congressman,Ex. State Rep.
(R)Steve Pence-Lt. Governor, Ex. U.S. Attorney
(R)Dan Seum-State Senator
(R)Lonnie Napier-State Rep.

Democrats
(D)Steve Henry-Ex. Lt Governor, '98 U.S. Senate Candidate
(D)David Boswell-State Senator, Ex. State Agriculture Commissioner
(D)Juilian Carrol-State Senator, Ex. Governor, Ex. Lt. Governor, Ex. State House Speaker
(D)Gatewood Galbraith-Attorney
(D)Brereton Jones-Ex. Governor
(D)Terry McBrayer-Ex. State House Speaker

(D)Jonathan Miller-State Treasurer

(D)Dan Mongiardo-State Senator

(D)Jody Richards-Ex. State House Speaker

Gov. Fletcher faces a number of possible opponents for his job and he might even lose his job in the primary. Congressman Anne Northup who narrowly lost her seat last month might want to jump back into politics and oppose Fletcher. Lt. Governor Steve Pence decided not to seek reelection and this might be a key sign that he wants to jump in. Pence and Northup could use Fletcher's likelyhoods of losing against a democrat to give them the nomination. I doubt Northup will run and if she does, because of her '06 loss she will lose big time in 2007. Democratic fmr. Lt. Governor is my best bet to oust Fletcher. Fmr. Governor Jones and State Treasurer Miller might also have a good shot at winning. I really feel any democrat has a shot at winning.

Overall Prediction: Very Slight GOP hold

Later we will anaylize Louisiana.