By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-931667.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky General Assembly is comprised of a Democrat-controlled House and a Republican-controlled Senate. But the upcoming election could result in a shift in power. In Fayette County, a close race for Kentucky's 12th district Senate seat may have implications on issues of expanded gambling and state pensions.
The candidates' names are familiar to many Lexington residents. Democratic challenger Don Blevins served 27 years as Fayette County Clerk before retiring in 2008. His son, Don Blevins Jr., is the current county clerk. The elder Blevins says he was approached to run for the 12th district Senate seat and considered it for several months.
"First I was reluctant and said, No I didn't want to do that.' As time went on I got more feedback, and then the incumbent voted against the horse industry, and that tipped me over."
The incumbent is Alice Forgy-Kerr. She's a 56-year-old Republican in her third term as a state senator. Casino-style gambling at Kentucky horse tracks has become one of the central issues surrounding this election.
"I have done everything I can do help the horse industry in the past. Everything that they've come to me for I have been able to help them with, including the equine diagnostic center [at the University of Kentucky]. I was able to put that in the budget."
In June 2009 the House passed a measure allowing video lottery terminals, but the bill died in the Senate appropriations and revenue committee, where Kerr voted against the proposal.
What Kerr voted for was a bill calling for a constitutional amendment to address expanded gaming. The measure also failed to move forward because it did not earn the 23 minimum votes in the Senate.
"This is a very important issue in this time where the economy is suffering. I think we need to look after all of our industries. So I think it's very important that we let Kentuckians decide that issue, and that is the bill that I voted for."
Blevins says he's more concerned about saving jobs in the horse industry than any perceived social ills of slots at racetracks.
"Fourteen other states have found a way to help the horse industry through expanded gaming, and if that's what it takes then I'm for doing it."
The second major issue to emerge from the Blevins-Kerr race: state pensions. Blevins is campaigning on a promise not to be a double dipper.
"I will go to Frankfort with one pension that I earned after 27 years of service as county clerk. And when I leave Frankfort, I will have one pension for that service."
But Kerr argues that Blevins would still accept a legislator's salary.
"He draws about 75 to $80,000 a year for his pension and then he also has healthcare in addition to that. And now he wants to come to Frankfort and get another government check.
Blevins and Kerr also disagree on whether state lawmakers a part time position - should even qualify for state pensions:
"Every single one of them have a full time job, either a business or they work for somebody else. The incumbent works for Midway College. That's her full time job. And if she wants to say if you're getting two incomes is double dipping, then every member of the General Assembly is a double dipper. She has salary from Midway College; she has a salary from the Senate. So that charge is baloney," says Blevins.
"I guess I really do feel that state lawmakers deserve a pension. He has made light of me saying it's a small pension. And don't get me wrong, I am very honored to serve Fayette County. I have served for 12 years and I have worked it as hard as I possibly can. I am thankful for the small pension that I receive, but it is nowhere near the 75 to 80 thousand dollars that he draws."
Party leaders will be watching the 12th district race very closely on November 2nd. There are currently 20 republicans in Kentucky's Senate, 17 democrats, and one independent. Blevins says with republicans in control of the chamber, the general assembly only treads water.
"The reason why I think a democrat is necessary in this district is simply because the incumbent, in 3,000 votes, has only disagreed with the leader of the Senate 30 times. So they're voting as a bloc. Instead of making intellectual votes, they're voting a party bloc, and therefore we're not getting anything done. We're playing King on the Mountain if everybody remembers that game from their childhood."
And the King on the Mountain, Blevins says, is Senate President David Williams.
Kerr says work is being accomplished in Frankfort, but notes that the budget bill must always make its way through the House before it reaches the Senate and that process can take weeks. And Kerr says she makes up her own mind with each vote.
"Well I don't vote with David Williams on every bill by a long shot. I don't know, I hate to say this in a way, but I think Mr. Blevins is a little bit old school and maybe somewhat sexist. I think a lot of times women my age find themselves in a situation where those men from that generation talk down to us a little bit."
One thing Don Blevins and Alice Forgy-Kerr do have in common is their experience, and both tout that experience as a reason to vote for them on Election Day.
"I have a national reputation and recognition in the field of elections law and management. And I believe take all the experience I've acquired as county clerk, and take it to the Frankfort venue and serve the people of the 12th district better than they're being served and make a difference in Frankfort," says Blevins.
"I have been there for twelve years and I have been able to learn the process, the people, the other legislators. And I think it's important that we have that amount of expertise," says Kerr.