VILLA HILLS — Republican county commissioner candidate Michael Plummer is being questioned about his loyalty to the GOP and the veracity of comments he has made about when he joined the party.

        Kenton County Commissioner Adam Koenig, who is being challenged by Mr. Plummer in the May 28 GOP primary, said his opponent has not been truthful about when he became a Republican.

        “Every year it seems some candidate in Northern Kentucky sinks his campaign by inflating or embellishing his resume,” Mr. Koenig said. “It's not a good idea. Voters are not stupid and they take a dim view of politicians who act like they are.”

        But Mr. Plummer, a lawyer and member of Fort Mitchell City Council, said Mr. Koenig is “slinging mud” to take the focus off issues in the race.

        “He's been eating too many sour grapes,” Mr. Plummer said of Mr. Koenig. “Voters aren't interested in that silliness. I want to talk about the issues, like why Adam Koenig voted to increase taxes three times.”

        Mr. Plummer said Mr. Koenig should also be answering questions about why the Kenton County Fiscal Court paid more than $1 million for a Covington office building at 501 Main St. that does not house any county offices or departments.

        “I'll be happy to talk about the issues,” Mr. Koenig fired back. “And I'll talk about them in a truthful manner.”

        The row started two weeks ago when Mr. Plummer said in a television interview that he switched from Democrat to Republican in 1994.

        But voter registration records found by Mr. Koenig at the Kenton County Courthouse indicate Mr. Plummer did not change his affiliation until 1998.

        Mr. Plummer portrayed his comments as an honest mistake. He had intended to switch parties in 1994 but the paperwork he had filed to do so was rejected because it was too close to an election. Kentucky law prevents party switching within certain times frames during election years.

        “I assumed it was a done deal, but when I found it wasn't, I filled out a new registration form and changed parties,” Mr. Plummer said. “I have never hidden the fact that I was raised a Democrat ... but lots of people have switched parties.”

        Mr. Plummer pointed to notable Republicans who used to be Democrats, including state Rep. Jon Draud of Crestview Hills, Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson and former President Ronald Reagan.

        “This isn't necessarily about switching parties, it's about him padding his resume,” Mr. Koenig said. “But it is true that while he was supporting and voting for Democrats ... I was working for Republican candidates and building the Republican Party in Kenton County.”

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