KY-4: Ken Lucas for Congress

I'm sure a website will be setup soon or unveiled this week but retired Congresman Ken Lucas made it official this morning. He will be a candidate for the 2006 election.

Lucas, 72, a conservative Democrat who often aligned himself with Republicans, said he was lured back to politics by the bruising partisanship and "widespread public corruption" in Congress. Lucas tried to link Davis to both in announcing his candidacy for the 4th District, which has been a traditional Republican stronghold.

"I'm disappointed that Geoff Davis has done nothing to separate himself from many of the figures involved in those scandals," Lucas said in a statement.

He added that Davis has voted in lockstep with the GOP House leadership "at the expense of bipartisan cooperation and good will."

Lucas said he can work across party lines, noting his support for President Bush's efforts on homeland security and the economy, including tax cuts. Bush easily carried the 4th District in 2000 and 2004. In 2000, Lucas distanced himself from Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore.

Lucas, a longtime financial adviser and former judge-executive in Boone County in the populous Cincinnati suburbs, entered the race when supporters dropped off his filing papers at the secretary of state's office at the Capitol.

Lucas' return to politics sets up a rematch with Davis.

I give Ken Lucas the edge on this one and he recieves The Kentucky Democrat's endorsement for this year's election.