By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COVINGTON - Kentucky residents go to the polls today in what will be, regardless of the outcome, a historic election for governor.

If voters elect Republican Ernie Fletcher, a three-term Congressman from Lexington, the GOP will take the governor's mansion for the first time since 1967.

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If they pick Democrat Ben Chandler, the incumbent two-term attorney general and former state auditor, he will continue a Kentucky political dynasty started by his late grandfather and former governor, A.B. "Happy" Chandler.

Both candidates put in long days Monday.

Chandler started in Covington, greeting about 100 supporters at the city's Scott Street firehouse before embarking on a 13-city tour that was not expected to end until 6 a.m. today. Rallies were set for 2 a.m. in Bowling Green and 4 a.m. in Elizabethtown.

Fletcher did a "fly around" Monday, an election-eve tour where candidates hold airport rallies to fire up supporters. He was to be at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Monday night after stops in Ashland, Hazard, Bowling Green, Madisonville, Owensboro and Louisville.

In addition to governor, voters will cast ballots for statewide offices including auditor, agricultural commissioner and attorney general.

Two Northern Kentucky Republicans are seeking state office: Trey Grayson of Park Hills is running against Louisville Democrat Russ Maple in the race for secretary of state; Kenton County Commissioner Adam Koenig is running for state treasurer against Democratic incumbent Jonathan Miller.

Locally contested races are:

• Kenton County Property Value Administrator, with Democratic incumbent Merrick Krey of Edgewood facing Republican Kevin Black of Crestview Hills.

• Crescent Springs City Council incumbent Christie Arlinghaus-Clem is a write-in candidate against Mike Daugherty. The race is non-partisan.

The sole tax question is in tiny Bromley, a Kenton city of 838 where voters are being asked to approve a property tax increase to pay for ambulance service.

Voter information

Polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Kentucky. Under state law, anyone standing in line at 6 p.m. must be allowed to cast a ballot.

For information on voting, including precinct locations, contact The Boone County Clerk (859-334-2130), Campbell County Clerk (859-292-3885) or The Kenton County Clerk (859-491-0702).

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The Associated Press contributed to this story. E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com