David Givens

Former U.S. Rep Carol Hubbard (D-Lowes) speaks on Monday in Murray: Politicker Photo

MURRAY -- Speaking to Democratic activists at the Purchase Area Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Murray on Monday night, former U.S. Rep and state Senator Carroll Hubbard (D-Lowes) put his race for the 1st state Senate district on a list of three key races he said could help swing the Republican-controlled state Senate back to the Democrats.

In addition to his own bid, Hubbard said wins by Democratic challengers Steve Newberry in the 9th district and Kathy Groob in the 23rd district would push the minority party in the Senate to within one seat of a majority.

Republicans currently hold a 22 to 15 advantage over Democrats in the Senate, with one independent. Democratic wins in Hubbard's proposed targets would push that advantage down to 19 to 18.

Then, Hubbard suggested, Democratic Governor Steve Beshear (D-Lexington) might take over the rest of the work in putting the Senate back in Democratic hands.