Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor says he won’t run for Governor in 2015. Kentucky Public Radio's Lisa Autry reports that Jerry Abramson made his comments this morning to the Elizabethtown Rotary Club. Abramson says the decision has nothing to do with his wife's breast cancer diagnosis, and that he wants to focus his energy on helping improve the state's education system.
Abramson had previously said he was considering a gubernatorial bid. He told his Hardin County audience Tuesday that he wants to be an "education warrior" who helps the commonwealth develop a more skilled and educated workforce.
The Lt. Gov. said you don't have to be an elected official to champion a cause you're passionate about.
"Education is where I have my passion, and education is where I think I need to be," said Abramson. "And so, focus is really what really made me make the ultimate decision that education is where I want to spend my time."
Abramson lamented the reduced funding for postsecondary education in Kentucky, saying the rising cost of tuition is making higher education unaffordable for many residents of the Bluegrass State.
Here is what Abramson told us about a potential bid in a July interview.
Jerry Abramson has served as Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor since 2012 and previously served as Louisville Mayor for 21 years. Abramson is one of a number of democrats discussing a run for the office including term limited Attorney General Jack Conway and former State Auditor Crit Luallen. Abramson said current polls show he could win a race for Governor, but he’s undecided on whether or not to run. “I’m going through this yes, no, up down,” said Abramson. “If you’re going to spend a year and a half hour to raise $15-m… and once you win the question becomes can you really be a transformational public servant and make a significant difference in the future of Kentucky? That’s what I’m thinking through.”
Other democrats considering a run for Governor include former State Auditor Crit Luallen, Current State Auditor Adam Edelen and Attorney General Jack Conway. Republican Agriculture Commissioner James Comer all but announced his intentions for the office during Saturday’s Fancy Farm Picnic.
