Republican state Sen. Albert Robinson easily wins nomination

Republican state Sen. Albert Robinson easily turned back a challenge from London businessman Michael Bryant for the nomination in the 21st District.

Bryant, 48, director of business development for a company in London that provides call-center services for the federal government, argued Robinson had not done enough to bring projects to the district.

However, Robinson, with higher name recognition from his long time in office, topped Bryant my more than 10 percent, according to unofficial returns.

Robinson has been known as one of the staunchest social conservatives in the legislature on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

In the 2016 session, he sponsored a bill aimed at giving legal protection to businesses whose owners did not want to serve gay customers because of religious beliefs.

Critics said the bill would be a license to discriminate.

The Republican-controlled Senate approved the measure but it died in the House, where Democrats hold a majority.

The district is made up of Laurel, Jackson, Estill, Powell, Menifee and Bath counties.

Robinson will face Janice Odom of Clay City in the fall.

Odom, 48, a business consultant and operator of a publishing company, was unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 7:50 PM with the headline "Republican state Sen. Albert Robinson easily wins nomination."