Jim Gray endorses Gorton in race for mayor. Bastin calls Gorton a ‘political insider.’

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray endorsed Linda Gorton, a former vice mayor under Gray, Friday in the race to lead Kentucky’s second-largest city.

At a news conference in the city government center, Gray said Gorton had the knowledge, experience and leadership abilities to move Lexington forward. Gorton understands the budget, has a commitment to public safety and will protect farmland from development, he said.

“No one works harder,” Gray said of Gorton. “I’ve worked with Linda for a very long time now for 12 years. I’ve seen her commitment not only to her work but to her city.”

Gorton faces Ronnie Bastin, Gray’s former police chief and public safety commissioner, in the Nov. 6 general election to replace Gray.

Gray’s endorsement comes as the race for mayor has heated up around the issue of endorsements. Bastin has been endorsed by two former mayors — Teresa Isaac and Jim Newberry — and a host of other groups, including unions for police, fire and other public employees. Gorton has been endorsed by two other former mayors — Pam Miller and Scotty Baesler.

Gorton has also questioned why a national real estate political action committee took the unusual step of sending mailers urging voters to support Bastin.

Bastin painted Gorton on Friday as a “political insider” who has contributed to the city’s problems.

“I am the people’s candidate. You can see this clearly when you look at the fact that I have received every major organizational endorsement or recommendation. From city workers to civil rights activists, the people want to be put ahead of politics, they know I have their back,” said Bastin. “Linda Gorton is a career politician who is beholden to the political insiders at city hall; who have a history of kicking the can down the road on pensions, our sewer systems, and city hall, costing the city millions.”

Gorton served as vice mayor during Gray’s first term, from 2010 to 2014. Gorton also served with Gray on the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council from 2006 to 2010 when Gray was vice mayor. Gorton served 16 years on the council before announcing she was retiring in 2014.

Gray shocked many when he announced last year that he would seek the Democratic nomination in Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District rather than seek a third and final term as mayor. Gray lost the May primary to Amy McGrath.

During his nearly eight years as mayor, Gray did not endorse in local elections. Earlier this month, Gray endorsed current Vice Mayor Steve Kay in the six-way at-large council race. The top vote getter in that race becomes vice mayor. The second and third place finishers become at-large council members, who serve four-year terms.

Gorton said she was honored to have Gray’s endorsement.

“He has been an amazing mayor,” Gorton said. “I look forward to moving Lexington forward just as he has.”

No independent polls have been released in the race. In the May primary, Gorton received 42 percent of the vote compared to Bastin’s 25 percent.

This story was originally published October 26, 2018 at 1:42 PM.