KY Gov- Is That A Knife in Ernie Fletcher's Back?

Kentucky's Republican Lieutenant Governor Steve Pierce has NOT endorsed his boss, Governor Ernie Fletcher for reelection this year. Instead, he has decided to endorse former US Representative Anne Northup (R-Louisville) who is running in the primary against the embattled scandal-marred Governor.

Why is this so interesting? Well, Kentucky's Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected together on a ticket, like the President and Vice President. (This is how it's done here in New York.) That means the man who ran as the running mate of Ernie Fletcher in 2003 is NOT endorsing him for reelection...big deal.

A recent Public Opinion Strategies poll showed the race for the GOP nod tied 39%-39%.

Northup is considered the stronger GOP candidate, as Fletcher is unpopular and Northup represented the state's Democratic stronghold (Louisville) in the US House of Representatives until her narrow defeat to Democrat John Yarmuth in last year's GOP slaughter. Northup could run away with a general election if she received the same percentage in her old district that she won in 2006. (48%)

On the Democratic side, a recent poll done by WKYT-TV shows former Lieutenant Govenror and Attorney General Steve Beshear leading a crowded pack of Dems. His strength may also be due to the presence of his running mate; State Senator Dan Mongiardo, who very nearly ousted US Senator Jim Bunning in 2004.