By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WILDER - Campbell County Republicans will field a challenger this November for a statehouse seat in one of the last Democratic bastions of Northern Kentucky.

They'll do it with a politically unknown lawyer who has never held or run for office.

Mark Hayden, 42, a partner with the Covington office of Louisville-based-Greenebaum, Doll and McDonald will announce his campaign today in Frankfort for Campbell County's 67th House District, according to a statement released Sunday by Campbell County Republicans.

The office represents Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Southgate, Wilder and part of Highland Heights.

Hayden is the only Republican in the race.

Three Democrats also have filed to run for the seat.

The deadline to file for this year's statehouse elections is Tuesday.

In the statement, Hayden, a married father of three sons, said he is "particularly interested in pro-life issues, education and economic development." He also is "excited to have the opportunity to serve with Gov. (Ernie) Fletcher to move Kentucky forward."

Hayden says he's a "seventh generation Kentuckian" and a descendent of Basil Hayden, a legendary producer of bourbon from Bardstown who was known as "Old Grand Dad."

Campbell County GOP Chairman Barb Haas said Fletcher's election - the first of a Republican governor since 1971 - showed that voters want change in Frankfort.

"Mark will bring intelligence, enthusiasm and energy to Frankfort and will be a great asset to furthering the goals Ernie Fletcher has set for Kentucky," Haas said. "He will be part of the solution to problems rather than part of the obstruction to change."

Hayden was born in Louisville and grew up in Indiana.

He graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1983 and cum laude from Indiana Law School in 1986.

He has been with Greenebaum, one of Kentucky's best known law firms, since 1986, becoming partner in 1994 and a member of the firm's management committee in 2001.

Kenton County Republican Party Chairman Greg Shumate also is a member of the firm.

Hayden's community activities include participation with the YMCA, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cold Spring - where he serves as a lay minister - and the Diocese of Covington.

The 67th District has been represented for 18 years by House Majority Caucus Chairman Jim Callahan, D-Wilder. But he is retiring this year from what is largely viewed as Democrat-leaning district, though Fletcher ran well in the district in November.

Three Democrats will vie for the party's nomination in May: Ken Rechtin, a Campbell County commissioner and former member of the Newport City Commission; Carol Rich, a former member of the Bellevue Board of Education; and Wilder City Councilman Dennis Keene.

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E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com