The Jefferson County Republican Party Executive Committee selected Debbie Peden, instead of Doug Hawkins, as their candidate in the special election. The local GOP met on Sunday at 10:00 am and their meeting was over by 10:30 am. Debbie Peden is the wife of Louisville Metro Councilman James Peden and mother of two small girls. She is a first-time candidate. A former teacher, Peden views education as her top priority, followed by affordable healthcare. Asked why she felt qualified to serve in the Senate, she replied that she brings "the voice of an educator, the voice of a woman.”
Just last week, Louisville Metro Councilman Doug Hawkins, flanked by the entire Kentucky State Republican Caucus, made an announcement on the steps of the Kentucky State Capitol regarding his intention to seek the Republican nomination for the 37th Senate District located in Southwest Jefferson County. Hawkins had the full support of the Republican State Senate Leadership, which apparently meant very little to the local Republican Party in Louisville.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Jefferson County met on Saturday and selected State Representative Perry Clark as their candidate; Clark, a U.S. Navy man, and married with two children, has served in the Kentucky State House since 1994, and is a proven vote getter in this district. He has a 100% approval rating with both Gun Owners of America and Kentucky Right to Life. Representative Clark supported the interests of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 90 percent of the time in 2005.
Many liberals in the Democratic Party, disenfranchised with their party's selection, were very upset and staged a protest with chants and signs after Clark was selected over Virginia Woodward. A scan of local blogs showed Democrats displaying warmer regards for the female novice candidate of the GOP over their own:
“She seems very likeable and down to earth”
“Debbie Peden is articulate and resounds with a message that represents young women who are in the work force. She is vibrant and energetic.”
Not yet intriguing enough? There are widespread rumors on the Internet saying that, in the event that Democrat Perry Clark wins the special election, he will switch parties to the GOP.
Related FR Threads:
Stephenson resigns disputed seat in [State] Senate (Special election will fill seat in 37th)
Kentucky Senate Seats Disputed Candidate [didn't live in district required time]
Why on earth would the Democrats be so stupid as to nominate someone that would switch parties ? I mean, this is a potential win-win for us, but what on earth would they get out of it by pissing off their base ?
Didn't Perry Clark endorse Lyndon LaRouche for president?