Free Republic

FRANKFORT — For the first time in nearly a century, a Republican is holding the speaker’s gavel in Kentucky’s House of Representatives. House Speaker Jeff Hoover was confirmed to the position via acclimation during Tuesday’s opening of the 2017 General Assembly’s 30-day session. In his opening remarks to the chamber, Hoover said the state faces a number of challenges that need to be resolved and that his focus as speaker will be doing what he can to address them. He also had a message for lawmakers in both parties: the election season is done. Republicans wrested control of the House...

tate Rep. Jim Gooch became the second member of the House Democratic caucus to change his party affiliation on Monday, informing leaders of both parties in the chamber of his decision to seek re-election as a Republican earlier in the day. Gooch, of Providence, has served in the legislature since 1995, chairing the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment. In a lengthy statement, Gooch said he informed House Speaker Greg Stumbo and House Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover of his decision in an email, calling his move "a personal one, free of any negotiation for personal benefit to me."...

<p>C-J file photos Former Gov. Louie B. Nunn rode in his inaugural parade in Frankfort in 1967.</p> <p>From left, Steven, Jennie Lou and Beula Nunn, Louie B. Nunn's son, daughter and wife, respectively, stayed warm during the governor's inauguration in December. The day started chilly and gray, but thousands gathered for the event.</p>