Update: 12:50 p.m.
James Comer has selected Republican State Sen. Chris McDaniel as his running mate. McDaniel's Northern Kentucky district covers part of Kenton County.
Original Post:
Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner will go home to formally kick off his 2015 campaign for governor. James Comer will roll out his campaign and announce a running mate Tuesday in his native Monroe County.
"I want to be a governor for all Kentuckians and there are so many parts of this state that are forgotten about by Frankfort," Comer told WKU Public Radio. "I'm proud of Tompkinsville, I'm proud to be from a small town, and I'm proud of my friends and family. I think if you want to know something about a candidate, go to their hometown and see the people they grew up with, their former teachers, friends, classmates, and business partners, and ask 'What kind of guy is this?'"
Comer served as a state representative for 11 years before being elected Agriculture Commissioner in 2012. Many of the reforms he brought to the troubled Agriculture Department will be part of his gubernatorial platform.
Comer announced last month that he was running for Governor, and is joined by fellow Republican Hal Heiner and Democrat Jack Conway as candidates who have formally announced gubernatorial intentions.
Warren County Republican Party Chairman Scott Lasley says Comer’s time as Agriculture Commissioner gave him the opportunity to travel the state and build up contacts that could benefit him during his run for governor.
“He knows people in all 120 counties. He’s had to travel these counties, so he has some degree of a statewide network, which I think is more valuable than the name recognition.”
Lasley says Comer’s experience as Agriculture Commissioner and a state Representative could be a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, Lasley says Comer will tout his experience as proof that he can navigate the difficulties involved in state government, while Comer’s opponents will portray him as a Frankfort insider.
