Goforth? Who?

A Republican State Representative, first elected just last year, has announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for Governor, thus setting up a primary challenge to Governor Matt Bevin, should Bevin carry out his stated intention to seek re-election.

Rep. Robert Goforth made his announcement Tuesday in London. Goforth wasted no time in going after Bevin, saying Bevin “lectures more than he listens”, and that he was tired of Bevin talking down to Kentuckians. Goforth’s running mate is Mike Hogan, Lawrence County Attorney, who ran for Attorney General in 2015 but lost narrowly in the Republican primary to State Senator Whitney Westerfield.

Goforth won a special election in February, 2018 to succeed former Rep. Marie Rader who had retired. According to sources, Goforth was not the choice at that time of the so-called Republican establishment in Jackson and Laurel counties. Nor was he the preferred candidate of Congressman Hal Rogers. Interestingly, during his campaign for State Representative in early 2018, Goforth was supported by Congressman James Comer, who actually appeared at fundraising events for Goforth and endorsed him.

ITC has learned today that Goforth and Comer spoke recently about the 2019 Governor’s race and the Republican primary. Comer said last week he would have “significant interest” in running again (he lost to Bevin by 83 votes in 2015) if Bevin did not run. ITC has learned that Goforth told Comer as recently as this past weekend that he would wait to announce his candidacy and would defer to Comer if Bevin did not file. Then, much to Comer’s surprise, Goforth made his announcement on Tuesday.

Who is Robert Goforth? Can he mount a serious campaign? ITC learned he has personally contributed $750,000 to kick start his campaign. Does he start with 35% or more support just from the “anti Bevin” electorate? Will Comer get in? Anyone else? We will know more three weeks from today as the filing deadline is January 29th! It will be interesting because, as we all know “politics is the damndest in Kentucky”