By Brenna Angel (KPR)
Lexington, KY – One of Kentucky's best known political personalities has died. Gatewood Galbraith passed away in his sleep Tuesday night at the age of 64. A perennial candidate, Galbraith ran unsuccessfully for Governor five times, including in the most recent election with running mate Dea Riley.
Riley last spoke with Galbraith a couple of days ago. She says he was severely congested and had trouble breathing and sleeping. This morning one of his daughters called Riley to deliver the news of Galbraith's death. Beyond being political allies, Riley says she and Galbraith were good friends.
"It was just a phenomenal thing," says Riley. "Even on those days that things don't always go right or maybe you're feeling a little down, Gatewood was always the first one there and somehow he would always just make me smile."
Riley says Galbraith was a man who could not be bought and was committed to serving the public. "He was truly a wonderful friend," Riley said.