Saturday, October 16, 1999
Roeding will run to keep Senate seat
He's up for top leadership post
BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LAKESIDE PARK — State Sen. Dick Roeding, poised to take a key leadership role in Frankfort, announced Friday that he will seek another term in the 2000 election.
Mr. Roeding, 68, who represents the heavily Republican areas of Boone County and Dixie Highway suburbs in Kenton County, has not yet drawn a Democratic opponent and may run unopposed.
“Those are tough areas for a Democrat to run in,” said Kenton County Democratic Party Chairwoman Shirley Huelsmann. “We
haven't talked to anybody about running in the race, and I'm not sure at this point if any (Democrat) will even get in the race.”
Boosting Mr. Roeding's chances will be his expected move into leadership of the Republican-controlled Senate.
Senate Majority Leader David Williams, R-Burkesville, said Mr. Roeding will likely be elected president pro tem — the No.2slot in Senate leadership — when the legislature convenes for its 2000 legislative session in January.
That should boost Northern Kentucky's stature in the General Assembly by putting a local lawmaker “at the table” when the party sets and pursues its legislative agenda, Mr. Williams said.
“We've always felt Northern Kentucky was at the table because the region has some good people in the Senate and in Frankfort,” said Mr. Williams, who is expected to be elected Senate president.
“But having Dick Roeding in leadership is a public indication of how we feel about Northern Kentucky,” he said.
Mr. Roeding said he is running for re-election because of his commitment to Northern Kentucky and its people.
“Becoming president pro tem will give me a voice inside leadership, put me in the meetings with the governor and allow me to help set the major agendas we pursue,” Mr. Roeding said.
“And of course it will help me do an even better job of representing Northern Kentucky,” he said.
In the House, Majority Caucus Chairman Jim Callahan, D-Wilder, has used his leadership post to carry legislation through the General Assembly and land money, projects and attention for Northern Kentucky.
It remains to be seen if Mr. Roeding or any other member of Republican leadership will have the same effect given that the governor's office is still controlled by Democrat Paul Patton, who is expected to win a second term in November.
But Kenton County GOP Chairman Greg Shumate, a Villa Hills lawyer, said Mr. Roeding's move into leadership will benefit the region.
“Dick Roeding is an important player in Frankfort and I imagine he will have a very prominent place in the Republican Senate,” Mr. Shumate said.
“He is a true conservative and his views absolutely align with the voters of his district and Northern Kentucky,” he said.
Mr. Roeding will hold the first fund-raiser of his campaign in December at Mr. Shumate's home. Sixty supporters have already agreed to serve as co-hosts of the event, Mr. Shumate said.
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