Harper recieves an endorsement, his first.

The Hancock County newspaper has endorsed Billy Harper's campaign. Here are excerpts from the first few paragraphs:

Republicans need to replace Fletcher with Billy Harper

In deciding which Republican gubernatorial candidate to endorse, the first part was easy for us: Ernie Fletcher does not deserve a second term.
The second took more thought. Anne Northup and Billy Harper each has promise in specific areas. But it’s become clear to us through the campaign that Paducah businessman Billy Harper has the experience, the vision and the leadership ability to steer this state on a direct path to improved opportunities for its citizens.

We won’t dwell on our disappointment with Fletcher. Anyone who’s followed his legal troubles and his response to them can see clearly that his credibility as a leader has crumbled. Regardless of the validity of the complaints against him, his response was one of arrogance, particularly when he pardoned several staff members before their cases could go through the justice system.

When Anne Northup began her campaign, we were hopeful that she would bring fresh ideas for change and specific descriptions of what she’ll do to effect those changes. However, her continuous harping on Fletcher’s problems and lack of stances on specific issues have dampened our hopes in her ability to make positive changes.

As we’ve listened to Billy Harper, we’ve been impressed by one idea that he appears to hold dear, and that is that the issues affecting education and economic development are weaved together.

... we heartily endorse Billy Harper for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Yes, I know. Before you ask, only about 270 votes were cast in the county in the 2003 Republican primary election! But the endorsement merits mention, for whatever it's worth.