NKyTribune staff
Today is Primary Election Day in the Commonwealth and there are important races to be decided in all three Northern Kentucky counties.
Here is some information on a few of the more high-profile races in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. Sample ballots for all three counties are also included.
Boone County
The judge/executive and all three of the county commissioners have drawn an opponent.
Chris Reinersman, a political newcomer, will challenge Republican Judge/Executive Gary Moore, who was elected to his first term in 1998.
Incumbent 1st District County Commissioner Cathy Hudson Flaig has drawn a challenge from Justin Bailey. In District 2, Commissioner Charles Kenner is opposed by Elizabeth O. Smith. District 3 Commissioner Charlie Walton’s opponent is Jesse Brewer.
All of the Boone County Commissioners are Republicans.
While candidates run from within the district where they live to ensure adequate representation from all regions, voters from throughout the county are permitted to cast their votes in all three commission races.
Also in Boone County, the hotly contested and often contentious Republican Commonwealth’s Attorney race pits incumbent Linda Tally Smith against Louis Kelly. Sheriff Michael Helmig, a Republican, has drawn opposition from Anthony “Tony” Wilson.
Campbell County
Republican Judge/Executive Steve Pendery has drawn a challenge from Anna Zinkhon.
In a crowded District 1 Republican County Commission primary, incumbent Brian Painter faces opposition from three candidates, Dave Fischer, Tyler D. Owen and Lloyd Rogers.
In District 2, Commissioner Charlie Coleman is not on the ballot, leaving three Republicans, Jerry Gearding, Geoff Besecker and Pete Garret to vie for the nomination.
In District 3, Commissioner Tom Lampe, a Republican is challenged by Jim Livers.
In Bellevue, Mayor Ed Riehl’s decision not to seek a third term has spurred a primary among three candidates. Charlie Cleves, Steven A. Brun and Bill Helton all hope to become the city’s next mayor.
Kenton County
A total of 11 candidates filed in the nonpartisan race, triggering a primary. The field was reduced to 10 when Alyssa “Dara” McDowell withdrew from the race. While her name remains on the ballot, votes cast for her will not count.
Voters will be asked to vote for a maximum of four candidates, with the top eight vote-getters moving on to the November General election.
There will be at least one new face on the City Commission as incumbent Jordan Huizenga, a Republican, has chosen to run for the 65th District State Representative seat that became vacant when Rep. Arnold Simspon, D-Covington, announced his retirement.
Candidates include current commissioners Bill Wells, Michelle Williams and Tim Downing. Denny Bowman, a former mayor of Covington, is also on the ballot.
Other candidates include John Flesch and Christi Blair, M. Spears, Shannon Smith, Del Shawn Renee Hayes and Brandon Mims.
Three Democratic candidates are vying to unseat U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Vanceburg in the 4th Congressional District, which includes parts of all three counties. Seth Hall, Patti Piatt and Christina Lord are the candidates on the ballot.
There are also several State Representative races on the ballot and a complete list of all candidates from Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties is included in the sample ballots below.
The NKyTribune offered free space for candidates to make their cases directly to voters. Many candidates opted to speak out. See what they had to say in the VOICES section of the NKyTribune. We included all that we received and continued to publish them through Sunday.
Here are your sample ballots for today’s primary. Your vote counts, and you should exercise your right to have a voice on Tuesday and in the fall. It starts here:
BOONE COUNTY
CAMPBELL COUNTY
KENTON COUNTY
To find out where to vote, go to the Secretary of State’s website. It’s easy to use and to find your polling place. Be sure to take an official ID with your picture on it.
