Ballard Co. Steven Rudy Has Gone Missing From Public View - Again

We reported earlier that First House Rep. Steve Rudy missed political events. This time, he missed the LaCenter Days Parade (Ballard County) this morning, Saturday, the 6th. The parade is a traditional spot for local politicians to mingle with their constituents. Our source in Ballard County was surprised that he was not in the parade. Rudy works at the family business eight miles away.

When questioned, Rudy said he came early to LaCenter to set up and didn't stay around for the parade- which lasted all of fifteen minutes. Ballard County is Rudy's family's home county. (He now lives in McCracken County). Rudy's district includes five precincts in McCracken, all of Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman and Fulton Counties.

Meanwhile, rumors are circulating in Ballard County that Rudy is being courted to change parties. Two House GOP members recently switched- Henley of Murray and Dedman of Mercer County. Rudy denies the rumor, saying that he campaigned with Ritchie Farmer last week. Our question is where? Not in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman counties. If he was in McCracken, even the Paducah Sun didn't pick up on it. (Rumors also circulate that Farmer is being courted to switch parties) Potential Democratic opponents are already lining up to take on the First District Representative.

OUR EARLIER REPORT -
- Steven Rudy, Republican Kentucky House Representative, House District 1 (Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman, and part of McCracken) has missed showing up at three major political events within the past three weeks. Each of these events were held within the 1st House District.

Speculation and rumors are flying throughout the district that Rudy no longer wants his job as the state representative. At the McCracken County St. Johns picnic, held the first part of September, over 800 people were expecting Rudy to be one of the political speakers. Instead, Robbie Rudolph gave apologies and told the crowd that Rudy would not be in attendance that afternoon. Later that day, at a political cook out in Arlington (Carlisle County), Rudy failed to appear.

Last week at the Columbus Day’s festival in Hickman County, Republican State Senator Ken Winters explained to the waiting crowd that Rudy would not be there. No reason was given for his failure to meet with the voters. The two Democrats most mentioned as planning to take on Rudy in 2008 are now becoming very visible at gatherings throughout the District.

Mike Lawrence, McCracken County Circuit Clerk and Tom French, agri-businessman from Hickman County, are both testing the waters with the citizens of the 1st House District about a Democrat for that office. The Republican Party seems to be giving Rudy a cold shoulder. Maybe Rudy’s endorsement of Ann Northup against Governor Fletcher may have something to do with this “chill in the air.” Rudy is now “a political island unto himself” with Democrats lining up to run against him.

Strong signs are even his own party is contemplating backing away from Rudy. The 2008 Republican primary is coming on fast. The first challenge for Rudy in 2008 may very well be from a stronger Republican candidate in the primary.