By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COVINGTON - The appointment of Kenton County Judge-executive Dick Murgatroyd to a key state transportation post was delayed Monday amid jockeying over how his county job will be filled.

Murgatroyd, 66, backed away Monday from accepting Gov. Ernie Fletcher's appointment as deputy Transportation Cabinet secretary - the No. 2 slot in the cabinet overseeing state highway construction and repair - apparently over concerns about the succession plan to fill his second term.

Murgatroyd, who did not return phone calls to comment, met privately Monday night with Fletcher in Frankfort to try to resolve the situation. A scenario that emerged late last week has Deputy Judge-executive Scott Kimmich, a veteran administrator and Murgatroyd's top aide and confidant, being tapped by Fletcher as interim judge-executive.

Kimmich would serve until a special election to fill the two years remaining on Murgatroyd's term is held in November. Kimmich refused to comment, but privately told supporters Monday he may run for the unexpired term.

Murgatroyd so strongly supports Kimmich that he may be willing to walk away from the state post if his longtime deputy is denied the interim appointment, several Kenton County officials and Republican Party leaders confirmed Monday.

But some leading Kenton County Republicans are attempting to recruit Crescent Springs homebuilder Ralph Drees - a GOP fund-raiser, contributor and activist - to run for judge-executive in the fall.

Drees, 69, confirmed his interest in an interview Monday.

"I've been asked about it, and I'm thinking about it," said Drees.

Drees said Fletcher had made it clear he wants Kenton County officials to work out who the appointee should be.

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E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com