By Bruce Schreiner
The Associated Press

CRESTVIEW HILLS - Louie Nunn, the state's last Republican governor, said Thursday his support for the party's nominee this year will depend on how the candidate plans to solve Kentucky's problems.

Nunn, the father of one Republican hopeful, Steve Nunn, said he intends to vote for the nominee in the general election. But how active he is in promoting the nominee will hinge on the candidate's proposals to improve education, solve the state's budget crunch and eradicate drug abuse, the elder Nunn said in an interview.

"The extent of my support will be determined by their request and the type of program they initiate for the state," he said.

However, Nunn held out the possibility he might cross over and support the Democrat if he isn't satisfied.

Party jumping is a factor in Nunn's own history. He was elected in 1967 with help from a Democrat, former Gov. A.B. "Happy" Chandler, who bolted his party in a factional struggle and endorsed Nunn. Chandler's grandson, Attorney General Ben Chandler, is among the Democratic candidates.

Steve Nunn said Monday night on Kentucky Educational Television that he would support the party's nominee, whoever it is, and thought his father would, too.

Louie Nunn made his comments after making an appearance with a longtime adversary, former Gov. Wendell Ford, at a fund-raiser for Kids Voting Northern Kentucky, an initiative that teaches children the importance of voting.

Ford followed Nunn as governor and went on to the U.S. Senate.

Nunn said his comments should not be perceived as a threat. But he said he expects the GOP nominee to put forth a strong plan to improve education.

"If they didn't come forth with a solid program on education, I could be known to support a Democrat candidate who did have a strong educational program," Nunn said in the interview. "So the nominee of the Republican Party will determine by his program the extent of my support."

Nunn didn't offer specifics, but during his comments at the fund-raiser he touted a plan endorsed by his son to create a "code of conduct" in schools. The elder Nunn said such a code would help instill discipline in classrooms and promote more parental involvement.

"I don't know of anything more important, more significant, more necessary than education."