Exodus

This upcoming Friday is the filing deadline for federal and state legislative seats, as well as a handful in the judicial branch. We’ll take a more in depth look at those when the complete field is set.

In the meantime, one of the biggest “off-season” stories has been the number of House Republican legislators who have announced their retirements. To date, that includes Larry Elkins, Rob Rothenburger, Jeff Hoover, Tommy Turner and Jim Stewart. This is on top of the abrupt resignations a few months ago by Diane St. Onge and Tim Moore. Our sources tell us that there were 5 or 6 others who leadership had to convince to run again as well.

So what is taking place? Is the majority not cracked up to be all the Republicans thought it would be?

For Hoover, it makes sense, although we expected his resignation last time. Our source said that didn’t happen because he wanted to remain a thorn in Matt Bevin’s side.

For the others, there doesn’t seem to be an overriding reason other than what our source said was a “building frustration with their own caucus.”

Are the ones frustrated exiting stage left? Or is there an undercurrent that will be on display this session.

Like most things in Frankfort, only time will tell.