Candidates in two Northern Kentucky statehouse races will square off tonight during a forum at Northern Kentucky University.

Kentucky Women in Action is sponsoring the forum, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in Greaves Hall. Candidates scheduled to appear:

• Sen. Jack Westwood, R-Crescent Springs, and Democrat Kathy Groob of Fort Mitchell, candidates in Kenton County's 23rd Senate District.

• Republican Mark Hayden of Wilder and Democrat Dennis Keene, also of Wilder, candidates in Campbell County's 67th House District.

The candidates will take questions from a panel of journalists.

CALLAHAN HONOR: House Majority Caucus Chairman Jim Callahan, a Wilder Democrat retiring this year after 18 years representing the 67th District in Frankfort, is being honored by the Girl Scouts.

Callahan is scheduled to receive the 2004 Distinguished Citizenship Medal from the Girl Scout Council of Licking Valley during an Aug. 19 ceremony at the Marquise Banquet & Conference Center in Wilder.

"Whether it be as an active business leader, community volunteer, public school teacher, sports coach or working on youth-focused legislation as a Kentucky state representative, Callahan has never strayed from his commitment to serving the children of our region," the council said.

For information about the ceremony, which includes dinner, contact Tracy Fuchs at (859) 342-6263, ext.25.

BOONE DEMOCRATS: The Boone County Democratic Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Stringtown Restaurant, 225 Main St., Florence.

COVINGTON'S PLANS: Covington Mayor Butch Callery will brief city business leaders and owners about riverfront planning tonight at Las Brisas at the Waterfront restaurant complex.

"Walk on Water" will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. It is sponsored by the Covington Business Council. Callery will talk about planning for Riverfront West, the 10 acres between the Waterfront and the Madison Place condominium and office tower.

City leaders envision a new riverfront neighborhood featuring residential, commercial and retail development.

KENTON MEETING: The Kenton County Women's Democratic Club will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at Walt's Hitching Post, Kyles Lane and Madison Pike in Fort Wright.

To submit an item to Political Notes contact Patrick Crowley by e-mail, pcrowley@enquirer.com; fax, 859-578-5565; or mail in care of The Kentucky Enquirer, 226 Grandview Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017.