Richards on speaker’s race: ‘I have more than enough votes to win, and they are solid’

DENVER - Kentucky state House Speaker Jody Richards (D-Bowling Green) sounded a note of confidence for his race to be re-elected to his leadership post in the legislature.

Richards, in Denver for the Democratic National Convention, said he has support sufficient to win against his rumored potential competition, former Attorney General and state Rep. Greg Stumbo (D-Stumbo).

"I feel very comfortable. I've spent most of the day, even here, on the cell phone calling people in Kentucky," Richards told PolitickerKY.com. "I have more than enough votes to win and they are solid. I would take them to the bank."

Stumbo has hinted that he may be interested in the speakership, though he has not officially announced a run.

"If Greg had the votes, he would have already been in it," said Richards. "He says he's still not sure."

Richards noted that some of the legislators he contacted did voice concerns about the way business was conducted in Frankfort, which the speaker said he would address.

"They do want some changes and we're going to try and accommodate those," said Richards. "They want more caucuses and we're going to do that. They want to avoid the confusion at the end of the session and I've got a rule change that will solve that."

Richards also commented on the speaker pro-tem race between Reps. Larry Clark (D-Louisville) and Joni Jenkins (D-Shivley). Richards earlier endorsed Jenkins in the competition.

"She is a terrific candidate and is doing very well," said Richards, who noted he lobbied for Jenkins at times.

"When the occasion arises, I do put in a good word for Joni," Richards added.