John David Dyche: "David Williams For Governor."

David Williams for governor
By John David Dyche

The race for next year's Republican gubernatorial nomination has thus far been one of rumors. One suggests popular agriculture commissioner Richie Farmer will run for lieutenant governor on a ticket topped by state Senate president David Williams. Another involves imminent announcement of an unidentified "tea party ticket."

The first seems a trial balloon floated by Williams forces. Conventional wisdom holds him as having high negatives, although no recent public polling proves this. Williams has watched as Wildcat fans flocked to touch the Unforgettable's garment hem on the campaign trail. Sharing a slate with the beloved former University of Kentucky basketball star would make sense for Williams.

Farmer could perhaps win the governorship himself next year, but he is not ready for the top spot's responsibilities. The office of lieutenant governor offers a perfect fit at this point in his political career. It has few actual job duties, but it provides a perch from which he could closely watch the masterly Williams in action and tour Kentucky solidifying support for a future gubernatorial bid.

Keeping a cushy state job and avoiding an electoral loss that could interrupt his political rise may be Farmer's top priorities. Running with the controversial Williams probably presents more risk than Farmer is willing to take. It would also put him in the unfamiliar humbling position of a bench-warmer behind a big name political star.

But Williams possesses a forceful personality and formidable persuasive powers. As General Assembly Democrats have repeatedly learned, resisting him is often futile. Farmer could put public and party interests ahead of personal ones by accepting the second spot, but he will likely settle for safety by seeking, and almost surely winning, the office of secretary of state.

All this assumes Williams is running. He certainly seems poised to finally pursue the prize for which his agile mind, expansive state government knowledge and powerful personal presence make him well-suited. Frustration probably plays as large a role in his decision-making as ambition does.

The political ineptitude of the current governor, Democrat Steve Beshear, and his Republican predecessor, Ernie Fletcher, has been maddening for Williams. He believes, with good basis, that he could do the difficult job considerably better. His impressive track record as Senate president provides ample evidence to support that conclusion.

Williams has worked with U.S. Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell to professionalize the Kentucky GOP's political operation and transform the commonwealth into a bona fide two-party state. But McConnell and his staff are increasingly occupied with national affairs. McConnell's team can still raise big bucks for the state party but has rubbed some Republicans the wrong way in recent state races. Williams is ready for the pre-eminent party role that the governor plays.

Fearing Williams' talents, Kentucky's liberal press relentlessly and unfairly pounds him. Yet he has does lots for Louisville, courageously fights for prudent budgets and sensible reforms, gives great speeches, displays an ever more mellow temperament while still playing political hardball brilliantly, all as a successful governor must. His opposition to expanded gambling alienates some urban Republicans, but is at least principled and thoughtful. He has some good ideas for helping the horse industry without it.

Williams could overcome image obstacles with a shrewd, well-funded campaign. And he could beat Beshear, who after failing in his only purpose as governor -- expanding gambling -- tapped lame duck Louisville mayor Jerry Abramson as his 2011 running mate. Abramson, now finishing a final term marred by mismanagement, will not play well in rural Kentucky. In a testament to the power of patronage and political favors past, the uninspiring Democratic duo has already amassed a $2million campaign bankroll.

Besides attention, it is hard to see what the tea party wants that it cannot get from Williams. Even Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul, poster boy of the amorphous movement, praises Williams. While no rigid ideologue, Williams boasts solid conservative credentials. He has forgotten more about state government than tea party novices can learn in four years.

So, Farmer or not, here comes Williams. Or so the GOP should hope. He has earned the right to run. Teaming with Farmer would be great, but any Williams ticket is preferable to any tea party tandem. Kentucky Republicans have already made the U.S. Senate race harder to win than it should have been by going that route.

John David Dyche is a Louisville attorney who writes a political column on alternate Tuesdays in Forum His views are his own, not those of the law firm in which he practices. Read him on-line at www.courier-journal.com; e-mail: jddyche@yahoo.com.