Larry Clark

Prestonburg Democratic state Rep. Greg Stumbo and House Speaker Pro-Tem Larry Clark (D-Louisville) exchanged volleys of support for House leadership positions this week, according to a report in the Louisville Courier-Journal - though Stumbo's bid for House Speaker remains hypothetical to this point.

Clark is seeking re-election to his Speaker Pro-Tem position against state Rep. Joni Jenkins (D-Shivley).State Representative Joni Jenkins (D-Shivley)

After she announced her challenge to Clark, Jenkins collected the support of current House Speaker Jody Richards (D-Bowling Green), but could not rally an endorsement from Stumbo, a former Attorney General and candidate for Lt. Governor.

Stumbo earlier told the Lexington Herald-Leader he did not endorse Jenkins when she contacted him for support because he was considering the Pro-Tem spot for himself.

With speculation mounting that Stumbo now will instead challenge Speaker Richards, Clark said he would support Stumbo "if he's running."

According to Clark, the joint endorsements occurred at Clark-sponsored golf outing on Monday.

State Rep. Joni JenkinsState Rep. Joni Jenkins (D-Shivley) will challenge the current Speaker Pro-Tem of the Kentucky House of Representatives, Larry Clark (D-Louisville), for his leadership position, according to reports from PageOne Kentucky.

That site printed a letter from Jenkins to her Democratic House colleagues in which she outlines her reasons for running:

Every year, there are successes and there are missed opportunities. This past year, however; there was one overriding issue that adversely affected the entire session - the conflicts within the House Majority Leadership team.

It is very clear to me that the House Democratic Caucus must have a five member leadership team that works together for the benefit of the entire Democratic membership.

For this reason, I am running for the leadership position of Speaker Pro-Tem.

Former state Sen. David Karem (D-Louisville) and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Greg Fischer (D-Louisville): Politicker Photo

Democratic Senate candidate Greg Fischer appeared at a rally on the Jefferson County courthouse steps this afternoon to unveil a slate of endorsements from the vicinity, including a former Congressman and the current Speaker Pro Tem of the Kentucky House.

Former 3rd District Congressman Romano Mazzolli and state Representative and Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark were the most prominent of those announcing their support of Fischer's candidacy today. They were joined by state Senator Perry Clark, former state Senator David Karem, former Louisville Mayor David Armstrong, and state Representatives Tom Burch, Jim Wayne, and Mary Lou Marzian. Louisville Metro Councilwoman Vicki Welch also was included in the list of endorsers, but was not at the rally.

All of those making endorsements are Democrats from Louisville.

"The momentum and enthusiasm for this campaign is growing by leaps and bounds, everyday. It's grassroots support, its people who will get out on May 20," said Fischer. "It's support that is going to carry us to victory on May 20 and in November."