Rumors are swirling in the First Senate District about the Governor's role in the primary between Carroll Hubbard and Rick Johnson. Did the Governor recruit Johnson?

Carroll Hubbard moved to Mayfield soon after his defeat in the race for Bob Leeper's Senate seat. He filed to run against Ken Winters. For all anyone in the First knew, Hubbard was the only one interested in the seat.

Then a telephone poll last winter listed Rick Johnson as a potential candidate. The caller described Carroll Hubbard in a less than laudatory light - tipping its hand as a push poll. No one ever 'fessed up to running the poll. Then Johnson filed for the seat and a May primary is now a reality.

Rumors began to circulate that "Frankfort" - the Kentucky Democratic Party and the Governor's Office had recruited Johnson. Those rumors seemed strengthened by the Governor getting involved in the race for Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo's seat in Eastern Kentucky. Local observers saw a parallel in the two races.

The presence of Hubbard, Johnson and Winters in Murray to hear Beshear speak didn't stop the whispers. All three made their way to the podium after Beshear spoke.   Winters even took a picture of the Governor and a supporter.

Rick Johnson can be seen wearing a suit and tie next to the young man with the Governor. After the event, Johnson was spotted leaving the Curris Center in the Governor's entourage. Carroll Hubbard was introduced around by Calloway County Judge Larry Elkins. Judge Elkins is a popular figure around Murray and his support will be crucial in winning Calloway County.

So the question remains - is the Governor getting involved in a West Kentucky primary? And if he is - why?