Louisville businessman Neville Blakemore has filed to run for state treasurer as a Democrat. Blakemore is the chairman of Great Northern Building Products, which sells construction equipment. He has raised more than $200,000 for the May 19 Democratic primary.
Blakemore said he is running for treasurer because the state needs someone with experience running a small business to balance the state's checkbook. While some have proposed eliminating the treasurer's office, Blakemore said it should remain independent with an independent staff so it can hold other public officials accountable.
Blakemore is the fourth person to file for the seat being vacated by Democrat Todd Hollenbach, who cannot seek re-election because of term limits. Other candidates include Democratic state Rep. Rick Nelson, former Democratic Rep. Richard Henderson and Republican Allison Ball.