By Todd Hatton/Paducah Sun
Mayfield, KY – Graves County business owner Richard Heath has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2nd District State Representative race. The Mayfield native announced his run Sunday on the Republican ticket for the seat of retiring Representative Fred Nesler. Heath says he will officially file with the state this week. Heath says his business experience and roots in the community qualify him for the position. He tells the Paducah Sun that before making his decision, he spoke with Nesler and state Representative Steven Rudy of Paducah to get advice about running for office. He says both encouraged him to run. Heath is the second to enter the race for Nesler's seat. Democrat Kelly Whitaker announced her intention to run last week. The recent announcements come after a trio of western Kentucky veteran lawmakers decided to end their tenures. Along with Nesler, Democratic state representatives Mike Cherry of Princeton and Melvin Henley of Murray opted to not seek re-election this year.