Hatchett Best for Attorney General

Since Greg Stumbo is going to run with Bruce Lunsford. Who should run, on the Democratic side, for the office of Attorney General?

The smart money says Jack Conway, with Crit Luallen’s backing will run. But I don’t think Jack is the best candidate here.

In the 2003 primary, Greg Stumbo beat Ed Hatchett by 6,295 votes statewide. Hatchett won Fayette County. Hatchett won Franklin County. Hatchett finished second to Chris Gorman in Louisville by about 3,000 votes but still beat Stumbo by more than 5,000 votes.

So how did Stumbo win?

Well, in Greg’s home county, Floyd, he got 4,098 compared to Hatchett’s 458 votes. But more key was fund raising; Hatchett raised $163,807.99 for the primary. Stumbo raised $496,582.19 for the same race.

Stumbo essentially bought the election. He was able to put money into media and get to voters that Hatchett and Gorman couldn’t reach.

Much like a Lunsford-Stumbo ticket will try to do this year.

I’m pretty sure Hatchett won’t get in the race if Conway does, but he would be the best Attorney General.

Ed Hatchett is a dedicated public servant, but he hates to ask people for money.

Conway has access to plenty of money but really doesn’t have the stomach for a dog fight of a race. I could live with Conway as AG, but I would really rather have Hatchett.

The scary thought here is that neither would run and someone like (shudder) Stan Lee could be the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth.