NEWPORT — Paul Patton would like to be remembered for helping sculpt a stunning $215 million riverfront entertainment complex and a $38 million university science center packed with the latest technology.

Gov. Paul Patton shares a laugh with Audrey Clift, 68, of Silver Grove, at the Campbell County Senior Citizens picnic at Pendery Park in August of 2001. He didn't attend this year. (Enquirer file photo) | ZOOM |

        Instead, Kentucky's governor is likely to be remembered as a lying philanderer tearfully admitting an extramarital affair he initially denied, even as he denied allegations that he abused his powers in dealings with his ex-lover.

        “Pray for me,” Mr. Patton said a little more than a week ago in ending one of the most memorable news conferences in Kentucky history.

        Kentuckians may be praying in private for their governor. But publicly, many are disappointed at the man who, more than most past governors, has heaped a ton of attention and money on Northern Kentucky.

        The largesse dates back to the early 1990s, when he held the dual roles of lieutenant governor and state economic development director. In the years since, Mr. Patton has drafted legislation, promoted projects and allocated dollars that helped attract Toyota, Fidelity, Delta Air Lines, Ashland Inc., Citibank and other high-profile companies to the region.

        His support of the state's tourism tax credit resulted in development of the $215 million Newport on the Levee entertainment project and benefited construction of the $150 million Kentucky Speedway in Gallatin County. Mr. Patton also allocated money to improve and build roads near the speedway, which sits along Interstate 71 about 35 miles southwest of Cincinnati.

        In addition, he placed $38 million in the state budget to build the Natural Science Building at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights. Dedicated this month, the center is the most expensive state-funded project ever built on a college campus in Kentucky.

        “Paul Patton has been good to Northern Kentucky, as good as any governor has been,” says developer Jerry Carroll, president of the Kentucky Speedway.

        “He knows business, and he knew there were opportunities for business to flourish in Northern Kentucky. Really, he was one of the first to recognize the great potential this area had.”

        Many Kentuckians are saddened by the turn of events.

        As he walked out of Newport on the Levee last week after lunching at the Claddagh Irish Pub, Fort Thomas resident John Fry said that Mr. Patton is probably finished in Kentucky.

        “The Levee is great,” and Mr. Patton has “done an excellent job,” said Mr. Fry, 50, a contractor who voted for Mr. Patton.

        “He's made a good effort to do a lot for this area and Northern Kentucky University.

        “But people aren't going to remember that stuff,” he said. “They'll remember his affair.”

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