by Joseph Gerth –
In what may be the first firewall in the Democratic Party’s attempt this year to hold onto it’s 95-year majority in the Kentucky House of Representatives, Louisville Metro Council member Dan Johnson has filed to unseat state Rep. Denny Butler, who angered Democrats in November when he changed parties and became a Republican.
Johnson, 57, will be facing 28-year-old lawyer McKenzie Cantrell in the Democratic Primary in May, but Johnson, who was recruited by House leadership
In what may be the first firewall in the Democratic Party’s attempt this year to hold onto it’s 95-year majority in the Kentucky House of Representatives, Louisville Metro Council member Dan Johnson has filed to unseat state Rep. Denny Butler, who angered Democrats in November when he changed parties and became a Republican.
Johnson, 57, will be facing 28-year-old lawyer McKenzie Cantrell in the Democratic Primary in May, but Johnson, who was recruited by House leadership to run, appears to have the backing of the party. House Speaker Greg Stumbo, Speaker Pro Tem Jody Richards and Majority Leader Rocky Adkins all attended when Johnson filed with the Secretary of State’s office on Thursday.
Stumbo, in a statement, said, “We will support the nominee.”
Democrats have made Butler one of their top targets after he switched parties, especially since he is in a district that voted twice for President Barack Obama.
“I think the incumbent broke a commitment to the public trust and the families of this district,” said Johnson, who since 1992 has served on the Metro Council and the old Louisville Board of Alderman before that. He is the longest-serving sitting member of the city’s legislative body.
Johnson, who is known for his failed efforts to push for the relocation of an NBA team to Louisville, said that nearly half of his council district is within the borders of the 38th House District.
“I’m incredibly liked by my constituents because they know I get the job done,” Johnson said.
Johnson, who sells pocket knives and jewelry at a flea market for a living, has had his share of controversy in recent years, including the foreclosure on a home he owns last year. Additionally, at least two local businessman filed lawsuits against Johnson in 2014 for unpaid debts. He also wrote bad checks to Metro Government for personal use of his city cell phone and since repaid Metro Government.
If elected, Johnson said he would focus on bringing jobs to the district and upgrading roads and other infrastructure.
Cantrell said she believes she can win the primary.
She works for a nonprofit legal foundation that helps the poor and immigrants with labor and other issues. She said she favors raising the minimum wage, blocking Republican efforts to pass so-called “right-to-work” legislation and doing away with prevailing wage requirements on public projects.
“In a district that is so heavily made up of Democrats, I’m really confident that I can win,” Cantrell said, adding that Johnson’s entry into the race means “I just have a bit of a longer road.”
Butler didn’t immediately respond to phone calls seeking comment.
Joseph Gerth can be reached at 502-582-4702 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @Joe_Gerth.
