State Representative Jim Glenn of Owensboro is one of 29 Democratic incumbents trying to hang on to his seat as Republicans work to seize control the Kentucky House for the first time since 1921.
Glenn’s race is one of the more closely watched races since he won each of his last two elections by just over 200 votes.
"I won. All you need is one vote more than 50 percent and you've won," Glenn remarked. "Some people want to focus on that, but that's not something I want to focus on. The people have elected me and if they don't want me, then they'll vote me out of office."
Glenn is a business professor at Owensboro Community and Technical College. He was first elected in 2007 and told WKU Public Radio he’s seeking another term because he’s not finished with the work he set out to do.
"My job when I first ran was to improve the lives of the working middle class families in my district and I'm still working on that," commented Glenn. I'm still looking for better paying jobs for people in my community, educational opportunities, as well as improved infrastructure and economic development."
Glenn has bought television advertising while his challenger Alan Braden has been doing a lot of grassroots campaigning, estimating he’s knocked on 4,000 doors. If elected, Braden says he would push legislation to make Kentucky more business-friendly.
"I think we need to look hard at becoming a right-to-work state," said Braden. "We need to look at incentives being offered and we need to look at simplifying and reforming the tax code."
Braden is a financial advisor and former Owensboro city commissioner. He believes the next General Assembly must focus on the pension fund deficit. He's also in favor of pro-life legislation and term limits.
"I'm not looking at this point in my life for a long-term career," added Braden. I've not given thought to a time limit, but I'd be willing to set a limit on terms very quickly."
Republicans already occupy the Owensboro mayor's office and the Daviess County judge-executive post. The GOP believes it is competitive in the 13th House District. Western Kentucky has been a growth area for Republicans in recent elections.
