As we try to get out of the way as Jack Westwood bolts from a debate — which is what the Republican state senator did Wednesday night instead of debating Democrat Jaimie Henson — let's roam elsewhere on Northern Kentucky's political landscape.

        Never too early. State Rep. Paul Marcotte, a Union Republican representing the 60th House District, didn't draw an opponent in this year's elections.

        But he might have a challenger in 2002.

        Democrats are recruiting Diane Brumback, a Union resident and teacher in the Covington school system, to run against Mr. Marcotte in two years.

        Ms. Brumback, a blonde dubbed “The Golden Girl” by her supporters, has acknowledged she is “thinking about” running for Mr. Marcotte's seat.

        She knows that running as a Democrat in Boone County would be tough.

        “But I think we need better down in Frankfort than we're getting,” Ms. Brumback said, citing education — of course — as one of her main concerns.

        Ms. Brumback does have some political savvy. She has worked on a couple of local campaigns, including Mrs. Henson's. And she has some experience organizing, raising money and working with community and local leaders through the Covington Educational Foundation.

        Ms. Brumback started the foundation “as a way to raise money to support excellence in the Covington schools.”

        The foundation's board is loaded with hitters and community activists, people like former Covington mayor Denny Bowman; former state senator Joe Meyer; community leaders Bennie Doggett, Pam Mullins, Chuck Eilerman and Barb Cook; Covington school superintendent Jack Moreland; Covington school board members Col Owens and Hensley Jemmott; U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas; business leaders Mer Grayson, Ralph Haile, Mike Mangeot and Chip Tappan; and sports figures Bob Huggins, the University of Cincinnati basketball coach, and former Bengals star Ickey Woods.

        Mr. Marcotte, who is retired, has told some Boone County Republicans he may not run for reelection. But if he does, he would be difficult to beat.

        Mr. Marcotte has a reputation as a statesman and true community servant who does not let the whims of the party get in the way of his own convictions.

        He'll stand up and cast a vote for a project or bill that is good for Northern Kentucky even if leaders of his own party choose to play politics.

        Political lovefest. Enough of the partisan bickering. Let's all try to get along.

        So says Kenton County Magistrate Steve Hoffman, who has been known to throw a verbal bomb or two at Republicans.

        But now Mr. Hoffman and the Kenton County Democratic Club are sponsoring a bipartisan Candidates Fair that will be open for anyone on the ballot in Kenton County.

        “Everybody can come, set up a table, talk to voters and hand out materials. No speeches will be allowed, but candidates can talk to all the voters they want.”

        The fair is set for Nov. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Devou Park Memorial Building in Covington. For more info call 292-8883 or 291-3388.

       Patrick Crowley covers Kentucky politics for The Kentucky Enquirer. He can be reached at 578-5581, or by e-mail at Pcrowley9@home.com.

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