The Cincinnati Enquirer

Heather French Henry, the former Miss America and now wife of Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, has dispelled rumors she considered running for the Fourth Congressional District seat held by Boone County Democrat Ken Lucas.

Henry, a Democrat who is expecting her second child in July, issued a statement to the Enquirer.

"Under no circumstances would I ever consider running against such a respected and effective representative of our state," it said. "I endorse Congressman Lucas' bid for reelection. I have worked closely with the Congressman and his staff on a number of issues affecting our veterans and will continue to offer assistance with his efforts on behalf of those who have served our country.

"In any case, family comes first and now is not a good time for me to engage in the rigors of a campaign," she said.

Speculation started a few weeks ago before Lucas announced he would seek a fourth term next year. Henry said the rumors may have been fueled because she and her husband maintain a residence in Maysville, which is her hometown, and have considered buying property in Augusta in Bracken County. Both towns are in the Fourth District.

Speaking of Lucas, the congressman was one of 50 House members named last week to the Select Committee on Homeland Security, which will oversee implementation of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

Here at home, the Lucas camp sees the committee assignment as a way to wring some positive news out of the congressman's recent decision to break his term limit pledge and run for re-election.

"This absolutely validates Ken's decision to run for re-election," said Edgewood Democrat Mark Guilfoyle, a political adviser to Lucas. "You can make a strong argument there will be not be a more important committee in Congress over the next two years and Ken Lucas will be right in the thick of the war on terrorism."

Republicans, including those in the camp of 2002 Fourth District GOP nominee Geoff Davis, might make an issue out of the term limit pledge Lucas broke.

Crestview Hills Councilman David Kramer has been reappointed chairman of the city's Economic Development & Zoning Committee.

The Kenton County Republican Women's Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Five Seasons Sports Country Club, 345 Thomas More Parkway in Crestview Hills.

Reservations must be made by Friday by calling (859) 341-8526.

The Campbell County Republican Party will meet Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Highland Heights City Building, 175 Johns Hill Road. For information call 441-9100 or go to www.campbellgop.org.

Contact Patrick Crowley by fax, (859)578-5565; by e-mail, pcrowley@enquirer.com; or mail, 226 Grandview Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017.