Stumbo and Clark exchange endorsements in House leadership races

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 Rep. and Speaker Pro-Tem candidate 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.