Rocky Adkins passes on U.S. Senate bid and takes job in Andy Beshear’s administration
Kentucky House Minority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, will join Gov.-Elect Andy Beshear’s administration as a senior adviser, ending months of speculation over whether he would challenge former Marine Corps pilot Amy McGrath in a bid for U.S. Senate.
“I want to be where I’ve got a seat at the table, to where we really can build a better Kentucky,” Adkins said. “Government works best, in my opinion, when it’s closest to the people and there’s no question in my mind the opportunity to continue to serve here is where I can be the most effective.”
Adkins decision to take an appointment in the Beshear Administration helps clear the path for McGrath in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, while also opening up the highest ranking position for a Democrat in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
For months, Adkins let speculation swirl that he would attempt to challenge U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2020. He said he was “open” to the idea of running after he had a particularly strong showing in Eastern Kentucky in the Democratic primary for governor earlier this year, prompting talk of his potential as a statewide candidate who could appeal to Democrats who voted for Trump.
He flexed those muscles on the campaign trail with Beshear, hopping from stop to stop throughout the state, telling folksy stories and imploring people to choose Beshear over Gov. Matt Bevin.
Ultimately, Adkins settled on the safe choice — a potential six figure salary over the next four years — bypassing what would be an uphill battle against McGrath, who already has raised more than $10.7 million, and McConnell, who has built a strong campaign machine over his 35 years in office.
While McGrath will still face a primary battle, it’ll be against candidates who aren’t particularly well known statewide, such as Lincoln County farmer Mike Broihier and possibly state Rep. Charles Booker, D-Louisville.
The appointment of Adkins also leaves a hole in the Democrat’s leadership team in the House of Representatives.
Adkins has served in the House of Representatives since 1987 and has been in a leadership position in the House for nearly 15 years. The two remaining members of Democratic leadership — Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Louisville, and Rep. Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, — are both in their first term in leadership and would likely be the two vying for the top spot.
Adkins said he decided to join the administration now instead of finishing out his term because Beshear asked him to start immediately.
“This was not an easy decision, but I want to be in the right place where I know that we can make a difference,” Adkins said. “I’m not saying you can’t in there, but to be in a different role, to be in the governments office, to be a senior policy adviser to continue to work with the House and the Senate.”
The role of senior adviser is somewhat ambiguous and Beshear offered little clarification beyond that fact that Adkins would be working with the legislature and other cabinets.
“Rocky’s experience is broader than any individual cabinet. His relationships are incredibly important, his ability to navigate Frankfort and the issues that he’s seen,” Beshear said. “I wanted to make sure we were working as closely together as we could.”
Adkins said he will resign before December 10 but did not provide a specific date. His salary has not yet been set.
This story was originally published December 2, 2019 at 2:11 PM.
