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State Senate Campaign Ad Leads To Defamation Suit

It’s not surprising when campaign ads can get ugly, but a spot by Democratic state Senate candidate R.J. Palmer has landed him court.

The Senate Minority Floor Leader is being sued for defamation because of an ad, accusing his opponent, Dr. Ralph Alvarado, of improperly prescribing $3,000 worth of oxycodone to a patient.

"It's no wonder Ralph Alvarado called Kentucky's pill mill law a lousy piece of legislation," the narrator says. "He's getting rich off addiction."

Alvarado argues the ad is deceptively edited and is seeking a restraining order in Clark Circuit Court, along with damages. Palmer has responded that his opponent’s arguments are without merit.

The candidates are seeking a term representing the 28th state Senate district, a region that includes parts of Fayette County.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.