State Senate

Kentucky Republicans will maintain their advantage in the state Senate, according to the latest election returns, though one seat targeted by Democrats is still in limbo.

In several of the higher-profile efforts by Democrats to gain a seat in the Republican-controlled upper chamber, Republicans held their ground.

As earlier reported here, the Republican-held open seat in south central Kentucky's 9th state Sen. district remains in the GOP's hands given David Givens' sizeable victory there over Democrat Steve Newberry.

Incumbent state Sen. Ken Winters (R-Murray) has fended off a challenge from former U.S Rep. Carroll Hubbard (D-Lowes) in western Kentucky's 1st state Senate district, with unofficial results accounting for all precincts showing Winters ahead 54 percent to 46 percent.

Still, perhaps the most visible state Senate race - that in northern Kentucky's 23rd district - remains in limbo as of the latest reports.

Kathy Groob's (D-Covington) latest try to unseat state Sen. Jack Westwood (R-Crescent Spring) appears to still be in play, as Groob refuses to concede to Westwood following irregularities with some voting machines in the district.

State Senator Dick Roeding (R-Lakeside Park)John Schickel’s bid for the Republican nomination in Kentucky’s open 11th State Senate District began in earnest on January 2, 2008. Then, retiring incumbent State Senator Dick Roeding  announced he was throwing his support behind Schickel. “I’ve always enjoyed public service,” said Schickel. “When Senator Roeding said he was thinking about retiring, he asked me to run for his seat.” The incumbent’s endorsement comes with significant weight behind it. Roeding will have served 19 years in the state Senate at the end of his term, with five of those as Senate president pro tem.