Kentucky Governor Taps New Running Mate

(The National Examiner Newspaper)Kentucky Governor Taps New Running Mate

By BRUCE SCHREINER, The Associated Press

Jun 3, 2006 4:06 PM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Moving quickly after being spurned by his lieutenant governor, Gov. Ernie Fletcher on Saturday announced a new running mate for his re-election campaign next year.

Fletcher introduced state Finance Secretary Robbie Rudolph at a meeting of the state Republican Central Committee.

"I'm very excited about running and I've got the fire in the belly to do it and we're going to get it done," Fletcher told reporters.

Fletcher, Kentucky's first Republican governor since 1971, was recently indicted on misdemeanor charges of conspiracy, official misconduct and political discrimination. He is accused of rewarding political supporters with protected state jobs after he took office in 2003.

Last summer, Fletcher issued a blanket pardon for anyone in his administration who might face charges in the investigation - except himself.

Lt. Gov. Steve Pence said Wednesday that he would not run again with Fletcher and refused the governor's request to resign. Pence said Saturday the investigation had nothing to do with his decision. He also said he has no plans to run for any office.

Fletcher wouldn't discuss his conversation with Pence when the lieutenant governor said he wouldn't be on the ticket next year.

"We have some disagreements, but that doesn't mean that we still can't be friends and cordial," Fletcher said.

Rudolph ran for lieutenant governor in 2003 with former Jefferson County Judge-Executive Rebecca Jackson, losing to Fletcher and Pence in the Republican primary.

In another change, Fletcher's press secretary resigned Saturday, a day after criticizing a high-ranking state Republican Party official.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Brett Hall said state Republican Party Chairman Darrell Brock was working to oust Fletcher. He later backed off that statement.

A three-sentence statement announcing Hall's resignation did not give a reason for his departure. He had been hired last September.