Herald-Leader endorsement: One candidate has the edge in House District 76
Once again, Lexington and Fayette voters are lucky in the quality of candidates who have put themselves forward in the 76th District Democratic primary.
Josh Buckman, Anne Gay Donworth and Jamie Palumbo are all political newcomers, but their passion for public policy gives voters three solid choices.
We are giving the edge to Jamie Palumbo because of his deep experience with Lexington’s public schools and the intense work ethic we have seen on display during this campaign. That commitment to voters and the district’s most important issues show he is not willing to simply rest on the laurels of his mother, retiring state Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo.
Political dynasties can be complicated, but as in the case of Gov. Andy Beshear, bloodlines should not prevent talented public servants from moving forward.
Palumbo gets the edge, but not by much.
Donworth, a tireless executive with the Lexington Public Library, who helped create the beautiful new Marksbury branch on Versailles Road, understands the issues that affect Fayette families when it comes to education, healthcare and housing. We encourage her to stay active and seek higher office. We look forward to seeing where her political journey takes her next.
But we are endorsing Palumbo for his many years of service, his understanding of the 76th District, and his devotion to public education, affordable housing, LGBTQ issues and other problems that affect the district’s constituents and the entire state.
He has been deeply involved in Democratic causes and campaigns since he served in the College Democrats of Kentucky as a political science major at the University of Kentucky. He is the dive coach for four public high schools, including his alma mater, Bryan Station High School.
Those experiences have taught him how much the General Assembly’s lack of support has affected those schools and how legislative priorities must change.
In Frankfort, Palumbo is ready to get to work on other issues facing his district, such as reproductive rights, healthcare, affordable housing, mental health and gun control. We are confident his ebullient personality will win him allies even across Frankfort’s bitter divides.
Palumbo earns the Herald-Leader’s endorsement.
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 14, 2024 at 12:02 PM.