Saturday, May 13, 2000
Candidate for Senate gets assist
By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEWPORT — Some of the biggest names in Kentucky Democratic politics are getting behind the campaign, particularly when it comes to raising money, of state Senate candidate Jaimie Henson of Independence.
Republicans say she needs the help.
Mrs. Henson, a flight attendant and former member of Independence City Council, is taking on GOP state Sen. Jack Westwood of Erlanger in what will likely be one of the most contentious Northern Kentucky political battles in the fall.
The race has statewide implications.
Republicans hold a slim 20-18 Senate majority, their first in Kentucky history. The GOP will probably need to retain Mr. Westwood's seat to hold the Senate, par ty leaders have said.
Mr. Westwood this week reported raising more than 11 times the amount of money that Mrs. Henson has received from contributors.
Mr. Westwood, a first-term incumbent and retired schoolteacher, has raised about $46,000, compared with the $4,000 raised by Mrs. Henson.
“Jack has raised lots of jack and she hasn't raised jack,” said Kentucky GOP Vice Chairman Damon Thayer.
Democrats say Mrs. Henson will raise the money she needs to run and win a competitive race.
Gov. Paul Patton, Lt. Gov. Steve Henry and Attorney General Ben Chandler have committed to attending fund-raisers for Mrs. Henson, said Vince Gabbard of the Kentucky Democratic Party.
“We know the money will be there,” Mr. Gabbard said Friday. “We're not really concerned about it. We're going to have the three biggest names in Kentucky Democratic politics helping us, so we know we'll be fine.”
But during a Wednesday night dinner of the Campbell County Democratic Women's Club in Newport, some Democrats privately expressed surprise and concern at the financial state of Mrs. Henson's campaign.
They were especially surprised that Mrs. Henson's first fund-rais er — a much-hyped event held in mid-February that promised an appearance by Democratic U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas of Boone County — brought in only a couple of thousand dollars.
Organizers said Mr. Lucas had to cancel his appearance because of a death in his family. And the night of the event a heavy rainstorm kept most contributors home.
In a move perhaps designed to kick-start the Henson campaign, Mr. Henry made the race a major part of his speech at the Wednesday night Democratic event.
He chided Mr. Westwood for voting against the “funding mechanism” that will use state money to pay for dozens of projects in Northern Kentucky.
“We are going to make an attempt to change the dynamics of the state Senate,” Mr. Henry said.
“Do whatever you can to help her in fund raising, in walking door to door, in putting up yard signs,” Mr. Henry told about 200 Campbell County Democrats. “She will be a valuable improvement to the state Senate.”
Mr. Westwood said that while he agrees the projects approved by the legislature are valuable, he voted against the funding because the money will be raised through a tax increase.
He also said he isn't “intimidated” by running against what he has called “the Democratic machine.”
“It obviously puts me in a situation where I have to work hard,” said Mr. Westwood, adding he has two more fund-raisers coming up soon. “But I expect we'll be in good shape when it comes to crunch time.”
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