Months after succession controversy, Lewis endorses Guthrie in KY-2

U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (R-Cecilia), left, and 2nd Congressional District candidate Brett Guthrie (R-Bowling Green): Campaign photo

The campaign of state Senator Brett Guthrie (R-Bowling Green) says they now have the endorsement of current 2nd Congressional District incumbent Ron Lewis (R-Cecilia), following a joint appearance by the two at an event in Hardinsburg.

"This good man is going to Washington, and he's going to do a great job. This really is the most important election in my lifetime, and Brett Guthrie is a big key to making sure we have a voice for conservative values representing us in Congress," Lewis said, according to a statement from the Guthrie campaign.

On the January 29 candidate filing deadline this year, Lewis surprisingly announced he would retire after fourteen years representing the 2nd District in Congress, despite assurances to national Republicans that he would seek re-election.

His announcement was timed in an effort to ensure Daniel London, his chief of staff, would be the only Republican on the ballot. The Republican National Campaign Committee reportedly had prepared Guthrie for that very scenario, however, and the Bowling Green Republican filed his candidacy papers with literally minutes to spare.

Two weeks after the deadline passed, it seemed Guthrie and London would be pitted against each other in a Republican primary, but Lewis apologized to his constituents for his "poor judgment," while London withdrew from the race.

Thus, Lewis' endorsement of Guthrie for his seat carries some significance beyond that of a retiring incumbent endorsing his party's candidate to succeed him.

"If we don't elect people like Brett Guthrie, the liberals in Washington will get their way and will never allow a vote on America producing more of its own oil," Lewis said in the statement.

Guthrie has rallied some high-profile national Republicans to his cause, with his campaign holding fundraisers headlined by Vice President Cheney and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio).

Guthrie now faces state Senator David Boswell (D-Owensboro) in the 2nd District race. Guthrie holds a large fundraising advantage in the competition, though Boswell has shown a slight lead in the only public poll of the race.

"If I am fortunate enough to earn the trust of Kentucky voters, I will continue to fight for American energy independence. We have to lower prices, and we have to produce more of our own energy to protect national security. Ron Lewis is a patriot for standing up for us, and I will fight to continue that legacy."