Posted on 12/13/2003 7:53:48 AM PST by Theodore R.
Hatchett enters May primary for House seat STATE AUDITOR FILES TO SHOW HE IS SERIOUS CONTENDER IN 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
By Joe Biesk ASSOCIATED PRESS
FRANKFORT - Seeking to show he's a serious candidate for Gov. Ernie Fletcher's old U.S. House seat, State Auditor Ed Hatchett formally entered the race for the Democratic nomination in the regular May primaries.
Hatchett filed his candidacy papers for the May primary with the Kentucky secretary of state's office about 1 p.m. yesterday. His filing was also meant to show delegates responsible for choosing the Dem-o-cratic nominee for the vacant 6th District seat's upcoming special election that he was serious, Hatchett said.
"I want the delegates to our district caucus on this coming Monday night to know of my serious pursuit of the nomination of our party for the 6th Congressional District seat," said Hatchett, who is auditor until Jan. 5.
When Fletcher became Kentucky's governor Tuesday, he simultaneously resigned his seat in Congress. As governor, Fletcher must call a special election for his congressional successor, which aides have indicated would be Feb. 17.
Democrat Ben Chandler, who lost to Fletcher in the gubernatorial race, said Thursday he wanted electors from the district to consider him as a special election candidate.
Electors from the 16 counties in the 6th District, which is in Central Kentucky, are to meet Monday to make their selection.
Hatchett said he wants to be nominated for the special election and then compete in the primary. This past spring, Hatchett ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for state attorney general.
Hatchett said he would be a strong candidate.
"The people of the 6th District know of my devotion to public service," Hatchett said. "They know how hard I've worked to protect their interests, and I'd like to be their voice in the U.S. House."
Chandler's former campaign manager, Mark Nickolas, said Chandler was not taking anything for granted and was still hoping to get the special election nomination.
Nickolas, who would run Chandler's congressional campaign, said Chandler planned to make a "strong case" to electors Monday.
"That is the process," Nickolas said. "Ben laid out yesterday at the press conference that he hopes that those in the county nominate him for the special election based on his record."
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