Trying to stay up on Kentucky politics while helping cover the big mayor's race across the river in Cincinnati:

        Alexander out? Some high-level Boone County Republicans plan to huddle this week to discuss the fate of Tim Alexander, a county commissioner candidate facing criminal charges over his involvement with a company called Providence.

        Covington-based Providence earned some bad national press for an effort to solicit business from the families of Sept. 11 hijacking victims.

        Providence provides temporary financing — for a fee up to 360 percent a year — to people hurt in accidents. If the victims are dead, the company deals with survivors.

        The money is repaid only if a settlement or judgment is reached.

        Providence made national news when it sent letters to the families of 76 airline passengers who died in the Sept. 11 attacks. Tristate law firms mentioned in the letter successfully requested that the company apologize for using their names.

        Mr. Alexander and another Boone County man, Tony Lamb, face misdemeanor criminal charges because Kenton County prosecutors say they failed to obtain city and county business licenses. Their trial was scheduled last week in Kenton County District Court, but has been postponed for a couple of months.

        Top Boone County Republicans have expressed anger about Mr. Alexander's involvement in a company trying to make money off the attacks.

        At this week's meeting, it's expected that there will be a call for Mr. Alexander to bow out of the race, which he is set to run next year against Democratic incumbent Tim Hamilton.

        It isn't clear whether Alexander detractors have enough juice to get him off the ticket. Neither Mr. Alexander nor members of the GOP are talking publicly.

        Though he has never held office, Mr. Alexander does enjoy some considerable political connections and influence.

        His father, Tim Alexander Sr., is the pastor at Florence Baptist Church, which some of Boone County's top Republicans — including county judge-executive Gary Moore — regularly attend.

        And Mr. Moore and the younger Alexander are political allies.

        But some members of the executive committee say Mr. Alexander would invite too much controversy because of his involvement with Providence. Democrats would seize on the issue and pummel him and the party on it next election year.

        Democrats are licking their chops over the red meat Mr. Alexander has handed them. But they shouldn't count their votes just yet.

        If Mr. Alexander stays in, the Dems have one heckuva issue to attack him on. But if he gets out now, Republicans have plenty of time to recruit a new candidate.

        Another Guidugli? As if Campbell County needs another Guidugli in politics, word comes that Mary Guidugli, wife of Kentucky Court of Appeals Justice Dan Guidugli of Alexandria, is being wooed to run for state Senate next year.

        Leading Frankfort Democrats — from Sen. Marshall Long of Shelbyville to top aides to Gov. Paul Patton — want Mrs. Guidugli to run against state Sen. Katie Stine, R-Fort Thomas.

        Guiduglis are all over Campbell County politics. Tom Guidugli is mayor of Newport; Dave Guidugli is a labor leader; and Steve Guidugli is on Bellevue City Council.

        No decision yet from Mrs. Guidugli — but one is expected soon.

        Patrick Crowley covers Kentucky politics.
       He can be reached at (859) 578-5581, or by e-mail at pcrowley@Enquirer.com.
       

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