Walton stresses education and experience in SD 11

Charlie Walton (R-Florence)Charlie Walton (R-Florence) first sought the 11th State Senate district seat in 2004, when he was defeated in the Republican primary by then-incumbent Dick Roeding (R-Lakeside Park). Walton lost that race 57 to 42 percent.

Walton vacated the 66th State House seat he had held since 1992 to run in that race. During two years of that period, Walton served as Minority Whip.

This year, with Roeding retiring at the end of his term, Walton is back in the hunt for the 11th. He faces former U.S. Marshal and Boone County jailer John Schickel (R-Union) in the Republican primary on May 20.

Schickel enters the race with the support of the retiring incumbent. Walton says Roeding endorsed Schickel this year because the incumbent still resents the 2004 primary challenge.

"I did run against [Roeding] four years ago," Walton told PolitickerKY.com. "There is some bad blood, but not on my part. He felt like no one should run against him then."

Despite Schickel having that advantage, Walton says he will highlight his experience in the legislature and as a public school principal to distinguish himself in the race.

Walton stresses his work on the House's education committee and the awards given to schools he ran because he says the education issue will be particularly resonant in the counties of the 11th district.

"I'm an educator," said Walton. "Boone, Gallatin, and Kenton Counties are all growth areas...Education is a very important issue for us. We need to make sure we have the proper infrastructure to encompass growth."

Walton's work as an educator dates back to 1976. He has served as a principal and a teacher. He has been in his current position as a principal in the Boone County system since 1991.

Walton also has received some higher-profile endorsements in the in the race.

"I have been endorsed by Representative Tom Kerr, who is the longest serving legislator from northern Kentucky," said Walton of the Republican House member from Taylor Mill.

The candidate also has been endorsed by Boone County Attorney Bon Neace, as well as fellow educators in the Kentucky Education Association.

"I have the support of every principal and every superintendent in Boone County," said Walton.

With regard to other specifics about his campaign and how it would be contrast to his 2004 loss in the same district, Walton said he preferred to keep any clues about strategy, staff, and financial numbers a secret.

"We looked at the positives and negatives [from 2004]," said Walton. "We don't share what our strategy is. The more you let out, the more there is that can be used against you."