Al Mayo: What Should Be Ahead for the GOP in 2015? Jamie Comer.

Most so-called pundits, including me, have been concentrating on the 2014 Kentucky Senate race between Mitch McConnell and a Democrat-to-be-named-later. Granted the smart money is on Secretary of State Allison Lundergan-Grimes, but there are a few others who could run too. For me an even bigger question looms. Who will the Kentucky Republicans run for Governor in 2015?

Usually, there are names floating around a few years in advance, but recent events have already hurt the GOP and their gubernatorial chances the next time around. Kentucky Democrats have more than enough decent possibilities for the top job. Both Attorney General Jack Conway, and ex-Auditor Crit Luallen are interested, but the two political allies say they will not run against each other. On the other hand, Grimes could also opt for a Gubernatorial run if she sits out the Senate race. Current Auditor Adam Edlen is also thought to be interested. Almost an embarrasment of riches some would say, for Democrats.

But who can the GOP put forth as a viable candidate for Governor? A logical possibility would have been former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, but his total public meltdown, and recent Federal indictment for alleged official misconduct has ended his political career. Farmer was the number two guy with David Williams last time around and they got hammered by 21 points, thanks to Governor Steve Beshear.

Right now, there are only two statewide Republicans NOT in the U.S. Senate with any name identity. One is State Senate President Robert Stivers, but he has so far shown no real inclination to run for the top spot. But that is good news for BOTH parties since Stivers seems to have a good working relationship with both Senate and House leadership.

There is only one other real possibility. Current Ag Commissioner Jamie Comer. in fact I would go so far to say he’s the ONLY real possiblity the GOP has right now. But, that might actually be enough. Comer has shown a desire and inclination for bipartisanship, and is forward-thinking enough to have heavily pushed Industrial Hemp legalization during the last legislative session. Comer was also the man who effectively began Farmer’s downfall when he pressed the Ethics Commission to begin a probe. That helped demonstrate that Comer isn’t all politics since Farmer is a fellow Republican. So far, Comer has done everything right, and if that continues, I expect his name to be at the top of the GOP Gubernatorial slate in 2015. In fact the only question about his possible candidacy is, who will be his number two?