KY vet to run for legislative seat

More than 230 Kentuckians have filed to run for the state legislature, and one of them is veterinarian and Standardbred owner-breeder Andy Roberts. Roberts has filed to challenge Republican incumbent Alice Forgy Kerr in the primary for the Senate District 12 seat, which encompasses most of the Lexington area. The primary will take place in May.

 

Roberts, 42, said he decided to run because “I was really, really upset over the debacle in Frankfort (the state capital) with the special session last year. I really don’t think people realize the time bomb that we’re facing with the state budget. When no one’s going to represent me, I decided I had to represent myself.”

 

During last year’s special legislative session, a bill calling for video lottery terminals at the state’s racetracks was defeated by Republicans. Alice Forgy Kerr voted against the bill.

 

Roberts said that while he will obviously advocate for the horse industry, his focus will be on bringing economic growth to the state. “I am pro jobs and we’ve got to cut taxes to stimulate the economy,” he said.

 

Roberts, who received his veterinary degree from The Ohio State University, has a small farm in the Lexington area. Among the Standardbreds that he owns is the Cam Fella stallion Cam’s Eclipse. Roberts is also a member of the Kentucky Equine Drug Council.

 

In addition to Roberts, Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association president Rick Hiles has filed to run for a seat in the state Senate in Louisville.