FRANKFORT — Retired businessman Mike Templeman, who spent much of his career working for coal-related companies, is planning to run for Congress as a Republican from Central Kentucky's 6th District.
Templeman, who retired last September as chief executive officer of Energy Coal Resources and now owns a farm in Franklin County, said he will file for the office Tuesday — the deadline.
The district, which includes Lexington, is represented by Democrat Ben Chandler of Woodford County.
Chandler is the only Democrat to file in this year's race. Three other Republicans have filed — Andy Barr of Lexington, Perry Wilson Barnes of Nicholasville and Matt Lockett of Lexington.
Templeman, 62, said he will be the only candidate in the race "who combines real world business experience with strong conservative values."
He has owned, operated and worked for companies in coal, natural gas, highway construction, reclamation, heavy equipment rental and commercial development.
Concerning his Republican opponents, Templeman said he knows Barr and considers him "a fine young man.
"But I bring to the table a whole bunch of life experiences and service to get our nation back on track," he said.
Barr, a Lexington attorney who held key positions in former Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration, has raised $304,851.62 for his campaign.
As a U.S. representative, Templeman said his priority will be improving the economy.
He said Kentucky coal "must be part of our national energy policy for our economy to rebound."
He also said he is strongly pro-life and believes in preserving traditional marriage and the right to keep and bear arms.
Templeman is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and the State Police Academy in Frankfort.
As a state trooper, Templeman was assigned to the first-ever Kentucky State Police narcotics and organized crime squad. He later moved to Pikeville to start a small business and worked from 1980 to 2009 for several companies.
Templeman is a former Democrat who became a Republican during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. He said he joined the GOP "because it best represented my conservative beliefs."
