Veteran State Representative Jody Richards is aiming for a return to House leadership as Speaker Pro Tem. The Bowling Green Democrat is among four others vying for the number two post.
Richards, who spent 14 years as House Speaker, has been out of leadership since 2009, and says some things have changed since then.
"There are a lot of new members since that time and I'm having to talk to them about my style of leadership and what I can mean to our House of Representatives," Richards told WKU Public Radio.
Richards made history by becoming Kentucky's longest-serving House Speaker before he was defeated by current Speaker Greg Stumbo, but Richard says there are no hard feelings.
"The speaker and I have a very good relationship," he added. "After all, we served in House leadership together for many years. I think I have a good chance of winning."
Others running for Speaker Pro Tem included Representatives Jeff Greer of Brandenburg, Jim Glenn of Owensboro, Dennis Keane from Wilder, and Darryl Owens of Louisville.
The Pro Tem position became vacant when Representative Larry Clark of Louisville announced he’s stepping aside from the post he’s held since 1993.
Leadership elections will take place on January 6, the first day of the 2015 legislative session.
