Grimes to run for secretary of state in 2015

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes ended months of speculation Monday, announcing that she would seek re-election as Kentucky's secretary of state in 2015.

Grimes, an attorney from Lexington, was widely regarded as a possible candidate for governor, lieutenant governor or attorney general since losing to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell in last year's closely watched Senate race.

But Grimes announced at the Lyric Theater and Cultural Arts Center in Lexington that she intends to continue pursuing her policy objectives as secretary of state. That includes legislation to restore voting rights to non-violent felons and a bill to let voters register electronically, she said.

Cheered on by many of the high-profile supporters who were active in her Senate campaign, Grimes said her tough race with McConnell, which she lost by 15 points, has only strengthened her resolve.

"Many might think that over the course of the past 18 months that I would be discouraged — I'm not," she told supporters. "I'm only encouraged because of each and every one of you."

Grimes told reporters that she took months to announce her intentions because she wanted to gather feedback from supporters and reflect.

Monday's announcement leaves Attorney General Jack Conway and his little-known opponent, Geoff Young, as the only official candidates competing so far in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, said he is not aware of any other Democrats planning to enter the race before the filing deadline Tuesday. But Stumbo said he shares concerns among some Democrats that Conway could have difficulties capturing the governor's office this year.

"If he is the nominee, then our job is to try to get everybody to focus on the positives," he said. "I believe that whoever the Democratic nominee is can win the governor's office."

Conway said in a statement Monday that he and his running mate, Rep. Sannie Overly, D-Paris, will work hard to unify the party.

"Alison and her family are longtime friends, and I am glad she will continue to serve the people of Kentucky," he said. "We look forward to working with (Grimes) to move Kentucky forward. Her energy and talents will be an asset to our efforts this fall."

When asked by a reporter if she is endorsing Conway for governor, Grimes said that there will be another day to announce endorsements.

Meanwhile, state GOP Chairman Steve Robertson said Grimes' decision to stay clear of the governor's race does not affect the dynamics for Republicans in the general election.

"We are going to have a credible nominee, and we are going to run a vigorous campaign this fall," he said.

Reporter Mike Wynn can be reached at (502) 875-5136. Follow him on Twitter at @MikeWynn_CJ.