2015 Kentucky elections explained

Country:	Kentucky
Previous Election:	2014 Kentucky elections
Previous Year:	2014
Next Election:	2016 Kentucky elections
Next Year:	2016
Election Date:	November 3, 2015

A general election was held in the U.S. state of Kentucky on November 3, 2015. All of Kentucky's executive officers were up for election. Primary elections were held on May 19, 2015.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

See main article: 2015 Kentucky gubernatorial election.

Election Name:	2015 Kentucky gubernatorial election
Country:	Kentucky
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2011 Kentucky gubernatorial election
Previous Year:	2011
Next Election:	2019 Kentucky gubernatorial election
Next Year:	2019
Election Date:	November 3, 2015
Nominee1:	Matt Bevin
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	511,374
Percentage1:	52.5%
Running Mate1:	Jenean Hampton
Nominee2:	Jack Conway
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	426,620
Percentage2:	43.8%
Running Mate2:	Sannie Overly
Governor
Before Election:	Steve Beshear
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Matt Bevin
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)
Turnout:	30%
Map Size:	300px

Incumbent Democratic Governor Steve Beshear was term-limited and could not run for re-election to a third term in office.

In Kentucky, gubernatorial candidates pick their own running mates and they are elected on shared tickets in both the primary and general elections.

The candidates for the Democratic nomination were Attorney General of Kentucky Jack Conway and his running mate State Representative Sannie Overly;^[1] and retired engineer and 2014 Congressional candidate Geoff Young and his running mate Jonathan Masters.^[2] Conway and Overly easily defeated Young and Masters in the primary election for the Democratic Party nomination.^[3]

For the Republicans, businessman and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014 Matt Bevin ran on a ticket with Tea Party activist and 2014 State House candidate Jenean Hampton;^[4] Agriculture Commissioner of Kentucky James Comer ran on a ticket with State Senator Christian McDaniel;^{[5] [6]} former Louisville Metro Councilman and nominee for Mayor of Louisville in 2010 Hal Heiner ran on a ticket with former Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilwoman and nominee for Kentucky State Treasurer in 2011 K.C. Crosbie;^{[7] [8]} and former Associate Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court Will T. Scott ran on a ticket with former Menifee County Sheriff Rodney Coffey.^{[9] [10]} Bevin held an 83-vote lead over Comer in the primary election, with both Heiner and Scott conceding. The Associated Press, referring to the race between Bevin and Comer a "virtual tie", did not call the race in favor of either candidate. In addition, Comer refused to concede and stated that he would ask for a recanvass.^[11] The request for recanvass was filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State's office on May 20, 2015, with Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes ordering the recanvass to occur at 9:00 a.m. local time on May 28, 2015.^{[12] [13]} Upon completion of the recanvass, Grimes announced that Bevin remained 83 votes ahead of Comer. Grimes also stated that should Comer want a full recount, it would require a court order from the Franklin Circuit Court.^[14] On May 29, Comer announced he would not request a recount and conceded the nomination to Bevin.^[15]

Results

Attorney general

Election Name:	2015 Kentucky Attorney General election
Country:	Kentucky
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2011 Kentucky Attorney General election
Previous Year:	2011
Next Election:	2019 Kentucky Attorney General election
Next Year:	2019
Election Date:	November 3, 2015
Nominee1:	Andy Beshear
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	479,929
Percentage1:	50.1%
Nominee2:	Whitney Westerfield
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	477,735
Percentage2:	49.9%
Attorney General
Before Election:	Jack Conway
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

Incumbent Democratic attorney general Jack Conway was term-limited and could not run for re-election to a third term in office. He instead ran for governor.

The candidate that would go on to be elected Attorney General was Andy Beshear, the son of retiring governor Steve Beshear.

In 2016, Steve Beshear's former personal cabinet secretary, Tim Longmeyer, was marred in controversy when he was exposed on bribery charges, including redirecting $6,000 of kickbacks into Andy Beshear's Attorney General campaign.^[16] Andy Beshear had recently hired Longmeyer as a deputy. However, the prosecutors in Longmeyer's case indicated that there is no evidence to support that Andy Beshear knew what Longmeyer was doing.^[17]

Over the next three years, Republican Governor Matt Bevin spearheaded an investigation into former governor Steve Beshear's administration as well as Andy Beshear's Attorney General campaign. Spending approximately $550,000 leading up to the 2019 Kentucky gubernatorial election, the investigation led to no conclusive results regarding the culpability of Steve or Andy Beshear.^[18]

Beshear defeated Republican Whitney Westerfield by a margin of 0.2 percent, getting 50.1% of the vote to Westerfield's 49.9%.^{[19] [20]} The margin was approximately 2,000 votes.^[21]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Andy Beshear, attorney and son of Governor Steve Beshear^{[22] [23]}

Declined

• Alison Lundergan Grimes, Secretary of State of Kentucky and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2014 (running for re-election)^[24]
• Jennifer Moore, former Chairwoman of the Kentucky Democratic Party^{[25] [26]}
• John Tilley, state representative^[27]

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Michael T. Hogan, Lawrence County Attorney^[28]
• Whitney Westerfield, state senator^[29]

Declined

• Luke Morgan, attorney^[30]
• Mark Wohlander, attorney^[31]

Results

General election

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Andy Beshear (D)	Whitney Westerfield (R)	Other	Undecided
SurveyUSA	October 23–26, 2015	798	± 3.5%	align=center	47%	35%	—	17%
WKU	October 19–25, 2015	770	± 3.5%	align=center	42%	36%	—	22%
SurveyUSA	September 22–27, 2015	701	± 3.8%	38%	38%	—	22%
SurveyUSA	July 22–28, 2015	685	± 3.8%	align=center	40%	33%	—	24%
Public Policy Polling	June 18–21, 2015	1,108	± 2.9%	36%	align=center	41%	—	23%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	class=small	Sample size	Margin of error	Andy Beshear (D)	Luke Morgan (R)	Other	Undecided
Gravis Marketing	January 5–6, 2015	608	± 4%	align=center	42%	37%	—	22%

Results

Secretary of State

Election Name:	2015 Kentucky Secretary of State election
Country:	Kentucky
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2011 Kentucky Secretary of State election
Previous Year:	2011
Election Date:	November 3, 2015
Next Election:	2019 Kentucky Secretary of State election
Next Year:	2019
Image1:	Alison Lundergan Grimes by Gage Skidmore (1).jpg
Nominee1:	Alison Lundergan Grimes
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	493,204
Percentage1:	51.2%
Nominee2:	Steve Knipper
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	470,894
Percentage2:	48.8%
Map Size:	300px
Secretary of State
Before Election:	Alison Lundergan Grimes
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Alison Lundergan Grimes
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

Incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes was eligible to run for re-election to a second term in office. She had considered running for Governor of Kentucky or for Attorney General of Kentucky.^{[32] [33] [34]} She decided to seek re-election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Charles Lovett, candidate for Jefferson County Justice of the Peace in 2010
• Alison Lundergan Grimes, incumbent Secretary of State and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2014^[24]

Declined

• Colmon Elridge, aide to Governor Steve Beshear and former Executive Vice President of Young Democrats of America^[35]
• David O'Neill, Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator^[36]

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Steve Knipper, former Erlanger City Councilman^[37]

Withdrew

• Michael Pitzer, candidate for the State House in 2008

Declined

• Michael Adams, attorney and general counsel for the Republican Governors Association^{[36] [38]}
• Matt Bevin, businessman and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2014 (ran for Governor)^{[4] [39] [40]}
• Ken Fleming, former Louisville Metro Council member^[41]
• Damon Thayer, Majority Leader of the Kentucky Senate

General election

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Alison Lundergan Grimes (D)	Steve Knipper (R)	Other	Undecided
SurveyUSA	October 23–26, 2015	798	± 3.5%	align=center	50%	37%	—	12%
WKU	October 19–25, 2015	770	± 3.5%	align=center	46%	35%	—	19%
SurveyUSA	September 22–27, 2015	701	± 3.8%	align=center	46%	38%	—	15%
SurveyUSA	July 22–28, 2015	685	± 3.8%	align=center	46%	40%	—	12%
Public Policy Polling	June 18–21, 2015	1,108	± 2.9%	42%	align=center	47%	—	12%
Gravis Marketing	January 5–6, 2015	608	± 4%	align=center	47%	46%	—	7%

Results

State auditor

Election Name:	2015 Kentucky State Auditor election
Country:	Kentucky
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2011 Kentucky Auditor election
Previous Year:	2011
Next Election:	2019 Kentucky Auditor election
Next Year:	2019
Election Date:	November 3, 2015
Nominee1:	Mike Harmon
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	486,741
Percentage1:	51.9%
Nominee2:	Adam Edelen
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	450,316
Percentage2:	48.1%
Auditor
Before Election:	Adam Edelen
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Mike Harmon
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)
Map Size:	300px

Incumbent Democratic state auditor Adam Edelen had considered running for governor in 2015, even lining up a running mate, but ultimately declined to do so. He instead ran for re-election to a second term in office.^[42]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Adam Edelen, incumbent State Auditor^[42]

Declined

• Chris Tobe, CFA, writer, former trustee of the Kentucky Retirement Systems and former staffer to State Auditor Ed Hatchett^[36]

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Mike Harmon, State Representative and candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky in 2011^[43]

Declined

• Damon Thayer, Majority Leader of the Kentucky Senate

General election

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Adam Edelen (D)	Mike Harmon (R)	Other	Undecided
SurveyUSA	October 23–26, 2015	798	± 3.5%	align=center	42%	34%	—	22%
WKU	October 19–25, 2015	770	± 3.5%	align=center	40%	35%	—	25%
SurveyUSA	September 22–27, 2015	701	± 3.8%	align=center	35%	33%	—	27%
SurveyUSA	July 22–28, 2015	685	± 3.8%	align=center	35%	31%	—	30%
Public Policy Polling	June 18–21, 2015	1,108	± 2.9%	33%	align=center	39%	—	27%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	class=small	Sample size	Margin of error	Adam Edelen (D)	John Kemper (R)	Other	Undecided
Gravis Marketing	January 5–6, 2015	608	± 4%	30%	align=center	38%	—	32%

Results

State Treasurer

Election Name:	2015 Kentucky Treasurer General election
Country:	Kentucky
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2011 Kentucky State Treasurer election
Previous Year:	2011
Next Election:	2019 Kentucky elections#State Treasurer
Next Year:	2019
Election Date:	November 3, 2015
Nominee1:
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	571,455
Percentage1:	60.6%
Nominee2:	Rick Nelson
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	372,416
Percentage2:	39.4%
State Auitor
Before Election:	Todd Hollenbach
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Allison Ball
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

Incumbent Democratic State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach was term-limited and could not run for re-election to a third term in office. He had said that he may run for another office in 2015, but did not specify which, and eventually declined to run for another statewide office.^[36] He instead successfully ran for an open seat on the Jefferson County District Court, defeating 20 other candidates.^[44]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Neville Blakemore, Executive Chairman of Great Northern Building Products and nominee for Louisville Metro Council in 2006^[45]
• Jim Glenn, State Representative and candidate for State Auditor in 2003^[46]
• Daniel Grossberg, Jefferson County Commissioner and President of the Louisville Young Democrats^[45]
• Richard Henderson, former State Representative and former Mayor of Jeffersonville^[47]
• Rick Nelson, state representative^[48]

Declined

• Colmon Elridge, aide to Governor Steve Beshear and former Executive Vice President of Young Democrats of America^{[35] [49] [50]}
• Dee Dee Ford-Keene, businesswoman and former President of the Democratic Women's Club of Kentucky^{[36] [51] [52]}
• Chris Tobe, CFA, writer, former trustee of the Kentucky Retirement Systems and former staffer to State Auditor Ed Hatchett^{[36] [51]}

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Allison Ball, attorney ^[53]
• Kenny Imes, state representative^[54]
• Jon Larson, former Fayette County Judge/Executive, candidate for Attorney General in 2007 and nominee for Kentucky's 6th congressional district in 2008^[55]

Results

General election

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Rick Nelson (D)	Allison Ball (R)	Other	Undecided
SurveyUSA	October 23–26, 2015	798	± 3.5%	35%	align=center	37%	—	25%
WKU	October 19–25, 2015	770	± 3.5%	32%	align=center	37%	—	31%
SurveyUSA	September 22–27, 2015	701	± 3.8%	33%	align=center	35%	—	28%
SurveyUSA	July 22–28, 2015	685	± 3.8%	align=center	36%	33%	—	29%
Public Policy Polling	June 18–21, 2015	1,108	± 2.9%	32%	align=center	41%	—	26%
Gravis Marketing	January 5–6, 2015	608	± 4%	32%	align=center	34%	—	align=center	35%

Results

Agriculture Commissioner

Incumbent Republican Agriculture Commissioner James Comer did not run for re-election to a second term in office. He instead ran for governor, and was defeated by Matt Bevin in the Republican primary.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Jean-Marie Lawson Spann, businesswoman, radio host and agriculture activist^{[56] [57]}

Declined

• Dennis Parrett, state senator^{[58] [59]}

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Richard Heath, state representative^[46]
• Ryan Quarles, state representative^{[60] [61]}

Declined

• James Comer, incumbent Agriculture Commissioner^[6]
• Paul Hornback, state senator^{[36] [60] [62]}
• Damon Thayer, Majority Leader of the Kentucky Senate^{[63] [64]}

Results

General election

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Ryan Quarles (R)	Jean-Marie Lawson Spann (D)	Other	Undecided
SurveyUSA	October 23–26, 2015	798	± 3.5%	align=center	40%	33%	—	24%
WKU	October 19–25, 2015	770	± 3.5%	align=center	37%	30%	—	33%
SurveyUSA	September 22–27, 2015	701	± 3.8%	align=center	34%	31%	—	29%
SurveyUSA	July 22–28, 2015	685	± 3.8%	align=center	33%	32%	—	30%
Gravis Marketing	January 5–6, 2015	608	± 4%	align=center	39%	31%	—	30%

Results

Kentucky Supreme Court

District 7

A non-partisan special election was held along with the May 19, 2015 primary elections to fill the 7th district seat of the Kentucky Supreme Court.^[65] The seat was vacated when Justice Will T. Scott resigned to run for governor.^[66] The winner of the election was elected to serve the remainder of Scott's term, with the seat coming up for re-election next in 2020.

Candidates

Declared

• Janet Stumbo, Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge and former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice
• Sam Wright, Kentucky Circuit Court Judge

Withdrew

• John Lewis, Elliott County Attorney^[67]

Results

Notes and References

1. Web site: Jack Conway set to announce 2015 ticket for governor with Rep. Sannie Overly . Mycn2.com . Ryan Alessi . May 5, 2014 . May 6, 2014.
2. Web site: New gubernatorial candidate touts 'BS detector'. November 17, 2014. November 20, 2014. The Lexington Courier-Journal. Mike. Wynn.
3. News: Jack Conway wins Democratic nomination for Kentucky governor . . May 19, 2015 . May 19, 2015 . May 20, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150520171502/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Jack-Conway-wins-Democratic-nomination-for-Kentucky-governor-304336771.html . dead .
4. Web site: Matt Bevin to Make Shock Run for Kentucky Governor. National Journal. Bruggeman. Karyn. January 27, 2015. January 27, 2015.
5. Web site: James Comer Introduces Running Mate Chris McDaniel In Kentucky Gubernatorial Campaign Kick-Off . wkms.org . September 9, 2014 . September 10, 2014.
6. Web site: Ag. Commissioner James Comer announces run for governor in 2015 . wdrb.com . August 2, 2014 . August 3, 2014.
7. Web site: Alessi . Ryan . Kentucky governor race in full throttle with Hal Heiner announcement . Courier-Journal . March 5, 2014 . March 6, 2014.
8. Web site: Hal Heiner and K.C. Crosbie ticket: What it brings and its potential effect on the 2015 field . CN2 . March 3, 2014 . March 6, 2014.
9. Web site: Ex-Justice Will T. Scott to run for governor. The Courier-Journal. January 6, 2015. January 7, 2015.
10. Web site: Former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott enters GOP primary for governor. Lexington Herald-Leader. Jack. Brammer. January 13, 2015. January 13, 2015.
11. Web site: Officials say Bevin, Comer race too close to call . Wkyt.com . 2015-05-21 . May 21, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150521233307/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Voters-head-to-the-polls-for-the-Kentucky-primary-election-304221281.html . dead .
12. http://apps.sos.ky.gov/temp/ComerRecanvass.pdf Comer Canvass
13. http://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-Stream.aspx?viewMode=ViewDetailInNewPage&eventID={507224B1-FF13-4A38-A778-09A1A630AB5B}&activityType=PressRelease Secretary Grimes Receives Recanvass Request from James Comer and Chris McDaniel
14. Web site: Review shows Bevin holding 83-vote lead in Kentucky GOP primary Review shows Bevin holding 83-vote lead in Kentucky GOP primary. May 29, 2015. May 29, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150529071028/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Kentucky-officials-begin-review-of-GOP-primary-results-305314511.html. dead.
15. Web site: Comer concedes, Bevin to face Conway in race for governor. May 29, 2015. May 29, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150529200825/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Comer-concedes-Bevin-to-face-Conway-in-race-for-Governor-305453511.html. dead.
16. Web site: Ex-State Official Gets 70 Month Sentence In Bribery, Kickback Scheme. September 29, 2016. Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting.
17. Web site: Prosecutors: Kentucky Consultant Gave Bribes for Contract. June 12, 2018. WKMS.
18. Web site: 3 years, 0 criminal charges and $550K later, Bevin is still investigating Steve Beshear. June 12, 2019. Courier Journal.
19. News: Loftus. Tom. November 3, 2015. Andy Beshear prevails for attorney general. The Courier-Journal. live. limited. December 15, 2015. https://archive.today/20210611153948/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/kentucky/2015/11/03/andrew-beshear-whitney-westerfield-kentucky-attorney-general/74480122/. June 11, 2021.
20. News: Smith . Lawrence . November 10, 2015 . Democratic Attorney General-elect Andy Beshear pledges cooperation . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20151221130334/http://www.wdrb.com/story/30483390/democratic-attorney-general-elect-andy-beshear-pledges-cooperation-with-republican-governor . December 21, 2015 . December 15, 2015 . WDRB.
21. Web site: The State AG report weekly update November 5, 2015. Cozen O'Connor-JB. Kelly. Blake S.. Rutherford. November 5, 2015. Lexology.
22. Web site: Andy Beshear Announces Bid for Kentucky Attorney General . WFPL News . November 14, 2013 . July 22, 2014.
23. Web site: Andy Beshear breaks fundraising record for down-ballot 2015 race . CN2 . October 3, 2013 . November 7, 2014.
24. Web site: Alison Lundergan Grimes running for re-election as Secretary of State . WDRB.com . January 26, 2015 . January 26, 2015.
25. Web site: Louisville lawyer Jennifer Moore mulling statewide run in 2015 or 2016. CN2 Pure Politics. Storm. Nick. August 9, 2013. November 21, 2014.
26. Web site: With a focus on her law firm and 2014 candidates, Jennifer Moore puts off run of her own. CN2 Pure Politics. Alessi Ryan. April 9, 2014. November 21, 2014.
27. Web site: Andy Beshear Raises Over $1 Million for Kentucky Attorney General Race . WFPL News . April 7, 2014 . July 22, 2014.
28. Web site: GOP Lawrence County attorney to run for Attorney General . ABC36 . January 12, 2015 . January 13, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150114041859/http://www.wtvq.com/story/d/story/gop-lawrence-county-attorney-to-run-for-attorney-g/17005/nuMzZW-150eJ4LX6dlvQCw . January 14, 2015 .
29. Web site: GOP state senator to run for attorney general. The Courier-Journal. Joseph Gerth. January 9, 2015. January 12, 2015.
30. Web site: Lexington attorney Luke Morgan considers GOP bid for Kentucky attorney general. Lexington Herald-Leader. Brammer. Jack. December 2, 2014. January 18, 2015.
31. Web site: Hearing that Republican Mark Wohlander, a Lexington attorney, will file for attorney general race today. Twitter. Sonka. Joe. January 27, 2015. January 27, 2015.
32. Web site: Grimes To Run Against McConnell In 2014 Senate Race | LEX18.com | Lexington, Kentucky . LEX18.com . July 1, 2013 . July 9, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130704054931/http://www.lex18.com/news/grimes-to-run-against-mcconnell-in-2014-senate-race . July 4, 2013 .
33. Web site: When did Alison Lundergan Grimes decide to run? - Manu Raju . Politico.Com . July 3, 2013 . July 9, 2013.
34. Web site: Grimes has 'bigger plan' after losing Senate race, yet still undecided. WHAS11. Joe Arnold. December 16, 2014. December 18, 2014.
35. Web site: Democrat Colmon Elridge has a campaign theme, now he just needs a campaign. CN2 Pure Politics. Storm. Nick. January 14, 2015. January 18, 2015.
36. Web site: Early stakes set for governor's race, other 2015 offices . Courier-Journal . June 9, 2014 . July 22, 2014.
37. Web site: Former Erlanger city councilman first to announce run for Ky. secretary of state in 2015 . CN2 . June 11, 2013 . November 7, 2014.
38. Web site: Possible GOP Secretary of State candidate Michael Adams says he will be "most qualified" candidate if he runs. CN2 Pure Politics. Storm. Nick. October 22, 2014. November 21, 2014.
39. Web site: Matt Bevin expected to file for unspecified statewide office Tuesday. WHAS-TV. Arnold. Joe. January 27, 2015. January 27, 2015.
40. Web site: Multiple sources say @MattBevin may file for #kysos.... Twitter. Sonka. Joe. January 27, 2015. January 27, 2015.
41. Web site: Former Louisville Metro Council Republican eyeing run for secretary of state. CN2 Pure Politics. Wheatley. Kevin. January 15, 2015. January 18, 2015.
42. Web site: State Auditor Adam Edelen will not run for governor . Lexington Herald-Leader . June 18, 2014 . July 22, 2014.
43. Web site: Harmon running for auditor. CentralKYNews. January 12, 2015. January 13, 2015.
44. News: State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach elected to Jefferson District Court seat . Jason . Riley . . . November 3, 2015 . November 4, 2015.
45. Web site: Louisville Democrat Neville Blakemore files for state treasurer in 2015 . CN2 . October 6, 2014 . November 6, 2014.
46. Web site: 2015 filing update: Rep. Glenn files for treasurer, Rep. Heath to run for agriculture commissioner. CN2 Pure Politics. Storm. Nick. January 26, 2015. January 27, 2015.
47. Web site: Former Rep. Richard Henderson to run for treasurer in crowded primary field. CN2 Pure Politics. Storm. Nick. January 12, 2015. January 18, 2015.
48. Web site: Rep. Rick Nelson announces a run for Treasurer in 2015 . CN2 . December 2, 2014 . December 3, 2014.
49. Web site: Black Ky. politician seeks historic gains in 2015 . Greenwich Time . Adam Beam . January 1, 2015 . January 1, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150105170624/http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Black-Ky-politician-seeks-historic-gains-in-2015-5989189.php . January 5, 2015 .
50. Web site: Governor's assistant considering run for congress . . January 27, 2015 . January 27, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150204014559/http://www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Governors-assistant-considering-run-for-congress-289986751.html . February 4, 2015 .
51. Web site: Pension consultant Chris Tobe considering run for Treasurer . CN2 . August 5, 2014 . November 6, 2014.
52. Web site: DeeDee Ford not entering Ky Treas. Dem primary.... Twitter. Arnold. Joe. January 25, 2015. January 27, 2015.
53. Web site: Republican Allison Ball announces bid for state Treasurer . CN2 . May 27, 2014 . November 6, 2014.
54. Web site: State Rep Kenny Imes Announces Bid for Kentucky Treasurer. WKMS-FM. Canning. Rob. January 23, 2015. January 25, 2015.
55. Web site: Former Fayette County Judge-Executive Jon Larson files for state treasurer.... Twitter. January 27, 2015.
56. Web site: Radio host Jean-Marie Lawson Spann to announce bid for agriculture commissioner . Lexington Herald-Leader . June 16, 2014 . November 6, 2014.
57. Web site: Democrat Jean-Marie Lawson Spann announces candidacy for Agriculture Commissioner . CN2 . June 18, 2014 . November 6, 2014.
58. Web site: Democratic state Sen. Dennis Parrett mulling run for Kentucky agriculture commissioner . Lexington Herald-Leader . August 27, 2014 . November 7, 2014.
59. Web site: State Sen. Dennis Parrett decides against run for Agriculture Commissioner in 2015. CN2 Pure Politics. Pitts. Jacqueline. September 16, 2014. November 21, 2014.
60. Web site: Republican state Rep. Ryan Quarles 'strongly considering' run for agriculture commissioner. Lexington Herald-Leader. Brammer. Jack. November 18, 2014. November 21, 2014.
61. Web site: GOP Rep. Ryan Quarles to run for Ag Commissioner. Lexington Herald-Leader. December 1, 2014. December 3, 2014.
62. Web site: Sen. Paul Hornback contemplating run for Agriculture Commissioner in 2015; Says Daily Show appearance 'distorted'. CN2 Pure Politics. Storm. Nick. August 14, 2014. November 21, 2014.
63. Web site: Thayer will not run statewide in 2015, plans to seek another term as majority leader . CN2 . September 21, 2014 . November 7, 2014.
64. Web site: Auditor Adam Edelen lashes out at Damon Thayer . The Courier-Journal . March 6, 2014 . July 22, 2014.
65. Web site: 2 vying for spot on Kentucky Supreme Court. WHAS-TV. January 20, 2015. February 16, 2015.
66. Web site: Will T. Scott steps down from Kentucky Supreme Court, won't say yet if he will run for governor. Lexington Herald-Leader. Kocher. Greg. December 29, 2014. February 16, 2015.
67. Web site: Candidate Filings with the Office of the Secretary of State . Kentucky Secretary of State . February 16, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150216204838/http://apps.sos.ky.gov/elections/candidatefilings/statewide/default.aspx?id=14 . February 16, 2015 .