Herald-Leader endorsement: House District 77 leadership crucial to Lexington.
State Rep. George Brown has been a dedicated public servant. At 75, the Lexington Democrat is running for his fifth term in the Kentucky House of Representatives, and before that he spent 12 years on the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council.
But as we have seen in Washington, D.C., where numerous politicians have lingered too long, there comes a time when it’s appropriate for the most experienced politicians to make room for younger voices and perspectives to be heard. Brown “shows up” as he likes to say, but he is often an unheard presence in the General Assembly and in his district when his voice is needed.
We believe it’s time for a new voice in the 77th District of Lexington, and therefore we endorse Daniel Whitley in the Democratic primary for the seat.
He is a political neophyte, but Whitley, 41, is a dynamic criminal defense attorney who has won numerous cases for his clients, including the dismissal of nearly all charges in the trumped-up cases against the peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters in Lexington.
He deeply understands Kentucky’s criminal justice system, particularly how much it will change under the egregiously bad House Bill 5, which passed this spring.
Whitley said he was spurred to run by numerous issues that are affecting the 77th District, where he grew up and lives now. That list includes public schools, reproductive rights, affordable housing and House Bill 5, which will criminalize homelessness and put many more people in prison.
He said district voters have not been hearing enough about these bills and what to do about them, even though they affect so many people in the district.
“We see a lot of of issues like housing discrimination, a lack of healthcare, people facing hardships that aren’t being addressed,” Whitley said. “What I offer is youth, energy to build bigger relationships.“
He is also concerned about the historic underfunding of Kentucky State University, and how the General Assembly can further support the state’s biggest historically Black university.
Whitley’s passion, energy and innate understanding of criminal law — and how it affects our most vulnerable citizens — will make him a commanding presence in the minority party in Frankfort.
The only concern we have about Whitley’s candidacy is that it may leave defendants in the lurch in Lexington. But we hope he will be busy working to help mend our justice system writ large so that maybe someday there are fewer people to defend.
He will have a tough fight ahead. George Brown has deep ties to the community and strong name recognition. But based on his vision, platform and legislative priorities, we believe Whitley deserves a shot.
We endorse him in this race.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy we endorse
Newspapers have a long history of political endorsements that give voters more insight into candidates before casting their ballots. Read more about why the Herald-Leader values this process before elections.
Why endorsements are important
The Herald-Leader believes the tradition of candidate endorsements enhances interest and participation in the civic process, whether readers agree with the newspaper’s recommendations or not. The paper has unusual access to candidates and their backgrounds, and considers part of its responsibility to help citizens sort through campaign issues and rhetoric.
An endorsement represents the consensus of the editorial board. The decisions have no connection to the news coverage of political races and is wholly separate from journalists who cover those races.
Unendorsed candidates can respond with 250-word letters that will be published as soon as possible.
This story was originally published May 10, 2024 at 7:00 AM.