By Cindy Schroeder
The Cincinnati Enquirer

From Ben's Car Wash in Maysville to the Reality Tuesday Cafe in Park Hills, people were playing "The Six Degrees of Nick Clooney'' on Monday.

Geoff Davis (left), Republican candidate for Kentucky's Fourth District Congressional seat, and Nick Clooney, a Democrat who announced Monday he is running for the seat, chat in the hallway of WCPO's downtown office. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

Click to view a detailed Nick Clooney timeline (PDF file, 652k) (Elizabeth Kane infographic) | ZOOM |

Here's what some had to say of Clooney's announcement that he'll run for the congressional seat held by Rep. Ken Lucas of Kentucky, who will not seek re-election:

George Clooney, actor, Nick Clooney's son: "There isn't a person who has dedicated more of his life and career to the citizens of Kentucky, and I couldn't be more proud of him."

Jenna Gilfedder, 17, of Edgewood, who works in a coffee shop: "Is he related to George Clooney?''

David Cartmell, Maysville mayor: "I think it would be very exciting. The Clooneys are the Kentucky Kennedys. ... Nick's been all over the country, but like the rest of his family, he's never forgotten where he came from."

Norman Zeidler, 46, Nick's son-in-law and a freelance artist in Petersburg: "Nick's the type of man who looks to see how he can improve things no matter what the arena''

Sharon Lawrence, 45, an employee of O'Rourke's Pub in Maysville: "Nick is just a nice, nice man. He's as down to earth as he seems. He's always involved in something in the community.''

Robert Thompson, 42, an employee of Ben's Car Wash in Maysville owned by Nick's cousin: "Everybody's talking about (Clooney's candidacy) around town. He's done a good job right here in town, and I think he'd do real good in office.''

Dawn Zahler, 26, of Erlanger: "How can anyone not know who Nick Clooney is? He's the news guy. He's George Clooney's dad. I watched Nick on TV.''

Dr. Charlie Zimmer, 78, retired podiatrist from Fort Wright: "I had Nick and his family over to brunch at my house when George was about 10. I've seen Nick a few times since then, and he's always remembered me. ... I think he'd be a good congressman. ... I'd be willing to help on his campaign.''

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E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com