Democratic duo files in the First

By BERRY CRAIG

AFT Local 1360

Paul Walker and Alonzo Pennington, Democratic hopefuls for Congress in the First District, could have mailed in their filing papers.

But the they drove many miles from western Kentucky to Frankfort, following a well-worn candidate path, to file in the secretary of state’s office. Secretary Alison Lundergan Grimes, a fellow Democrat, dropped in to witness Walker's signing.

Walker is a Murray State University English professor. Pennington, from Princeton, is a musician and quail hunting guide, according to his website. They will square off in the May 22 Democratic primary.

Walker vowed he didn't play hooky to make the trip. "My office hours and schedule are public record, so no issues there," he said. 

Walker welcomes union support and plans to visit the Western Kentucky AFL-CIO Area Council in Paducah.

"Republicans in Kentucky and in Washington bully workers and their families by targeting unions,” he said. “It's time to stop the assault on organizing and collective bargaining. 'Right-to-work' laws continue to degrade safety and quality standards, fair wages and benefits, and high quality of life -- the very things that unions provide."

He added, “I appreciate the generous and strong support of current and former union workers all across Kentucky, and I promise you that I will work to stop the assault on unions in this country."

Sam Gaskins of Hopkinsville filed for the primary on Nov. 15 but has since announced his withdrawal, citing health reasons, connected to his military service. But on Saturday, his name was still listed on the secretary of state's office website as a filed candidate.

"I’m very excited about this opportunity and I hope to have your support starting with the democratic primary in May," Pennington posted on his Facebook page. "It’s going to be an uphill battle the whole way, but we can do it! With your help we can create the future that our children and grandchildren deserve. Please share this page and join the vision of a better Kentucky!" 

Pennington added: "Why am I running? I believe that the divide between the working class and the elitist will never lessen and the middle class will cease to exist until we elect leaders that truly represent who we are. 83% of all the wealth earned in 2017 went to the top 1%. It’s time Western KY had a voice in Washington that represents who we are!"

First-term incumbent James Comer, R-Tompkinsville, defeated Gaskins in 2016. Comer is not expected to draw primary opposition. The filing deadline for the Democratic and Republican primaries is Tuesday.

Click here for more information about Walker and here for more information about Pennington.