Kelly Downard Won't Run For Mayor. Can We Hear An Official Statement From My Friend Steve Pence?! He'd Make An EXCELLENT Choice For Mayor.

Downard won't run for mayor
By Dan Klepal

Louisville Metro Councilman Kelly Downard, a persistent critic of Mayor Jerry Abramson who unsuccessfully challenged him in the 2006 election, announced Wednesday that he will not make another race for the office in 2010.

Downard, a Republican who represents the 16th District, said there are already “many qualified persons” interested in running for the office, which Abramson is vacating so he can run for lieutenant governor on a Democratic ticket with Gov. Steve Beshear in 2011.

“In 2006 I chose to run because I felt change was needed and that this community deserved a fresh voice in local government,” Downard said in a prepared statement. “Many qualified persons have already announced their interest in leading our community.

“These bright, qualified new leaders have given me the assurance that a new team will be leading our city as we try to reclaim our spot as a leader among our competitor cities.”

The only person who has announced for the mayoral race is Louisville businessman Greg Fischer, a Democrat. He lost a primary race for the U.S. Senate in 2008.

Metro Council President David Tandy, councilman Jim King and businessman Tyler Allen have said they are considering running in the Democratic primary.

Attorney Steve Pence could be the most likely Republican to run, although Sen. Dan Seum, R-Louisville, has said he is considering the race.