State News
Hensley's still running for governor
Says the issue is jobs but he wants to build a massive amusement park
FRANKFORT — Otis “Bullman” Hensley Jr. doesn’t give up easily. He announced Wednesday at the state capitol that he’s running for governor for a third time.
In the 2007, Hensley finished sixth in a six-person race with 3,792 votes out of 348,238 cast in the Democratic primary won by Steve Beshear. He also finished last in 2003.
So why is he running yet again?
“Because I’m so good looking,” said Hensley, 53, a demolition contractor from Wallins Creek in Harlan County. As he answered, his economic advisor, Roger Thoney, whispered: “Jobs, Otis, jobs.”
“And jobs,” Hensley responded.
Besides, he said, incumbent Gov. Beshear “is out there already campaigning and raising money.” Beshear last month announced Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson will be his running mate for Lieutenant Governor in the 2011 election. Under Kentucky law, until a candidate forms a slate with a running mate and files a letter of intent to begin raising money with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, the candidate cannot raise money.
Hensley’s running mate this time will be the same as the last – Richard Robbins, a coal miner from Evarts who rarely appeared in the last campaign and declined to participate in lieutenant governor debates. The two filed a letter of intent with the registry on Tuesday.
Hensley drew attention by often traveling with a 20-foot fiberglass bull towed behind his vehicle. He said the owner of the bull won’t allow him to borrow it this time and he’s looking for another.
Hensley spent most of his announcement Wednesday talking a bout his dreams of a huge amusement park and “mega-mall” with an international airport in Bell County. He said he asked President Barack Obama by letter in March for federal stimulus money “to create thousands of jobs in Appalachia” but “I haven’t heard one word.”
He said he met with current Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo seeking tax incentives for the project as well but also hasn’t received a response. He’s seeking a meeting with Beshear, he said.
At first, Hensley declined to criticize the performance of the man whose job he’s seeking.
“I haven’t been keeping up with Steve Beshear much,” Hensley said. “I don’t know what kind of job he’s doing.”
But he quickly added that he doesn’t “like it that he raised taxes on cigarettes and beer.” Last spring, the General Assembly increased taxes on tobacco products and alcohol as part of a plan to plug a $456 million revenue shortfall.
Hensley said he’s prepared for a more serious approach to his third campaign and realizes he may face tougher questioning from the public and the press. Last summer, Hensley was charged with a felony sexual offense for what he said was a jest in offering to trade “a fattening hog” for two minor children he saw in a grocery store. After Hensley apologized, the charges were dropped.
RONNIE ELLIS writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com.
- State News
-
-
Supporters rally for payday lender interest cap
Supporters of a cap on payday loans rallied in the state capitol Wednesday but the bill may not get out of committee.
-
Paul fires back with his own coal ad
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Rand Paul put up his own television campaign ad on coal, answering one by chief rival Trey Grayson which began airing Tuesday.
-
No outcry thus far on reducing school days
Lawmakers returned to town Monday and most indicated they hadn't been overwhelmed by objections to a plan to reduce the number of school days to cut costs.
-
Grayson TV ad attacks Paul on coal
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Trey Grayson went on TV in the heart of coal country Monday criticizing his chief rival for calling coal "dirty form of energy."
-
Budget talk dominates legislature but other bills moving
A broad outline of a legislative budget plan emerged this week, relying on cuts and assumptions rather than new revenue, while a few other measures moved through committee and chambers.
-
Appalachian strip mines have long-term environmental effect
Reclaimed surface mines in Central Appalachia have continuing environmental impact after their reclamation bonds are released but are not commonly monitored by state and federal regulators, says a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
-
Children's advocates rally at capitol
Chelsey Loraditch, a freshman at Paul Blazer High School in Ashland, was at risk of being taken out of her home for truancy but a family preservation program avoided that trauma for her and he family - and saved the state money.
-
Budget pain may rain over everyone
House Speaker Greg Stumbo said House leaders are "very close" to a broad budget outline which will spare SEEK but others think the pain will extend to most areas of the budget.
-
KACo, KLC oversight bill passes House unanimously
While lawmakers wait for a budget proposal from leaders and the House budget committee, they moved a few pieces of legislation this week, including a bill to toughen oversight at KACo and KLC.
-
Stumbo, Williams say they can do budget without taxing, gambling - or the governor
Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Greg Stumbo made it clear in a Friday press conference they think they can craft a workable budget without gambling or tax reform - and without the governor's input.
- More State News Headlines
-
Supporters rally for payday lender interest cap
