House bill would change county’s representative

The Kentucky House of Representatives approved a bill Tuesday that could change Adair County’s congressional district from District 1 to District 2.

House Bill 2 is the realignment of Kentucky’s congressional districts. The change would move Adair County away from Congressman Ed Whitfield’s district into Congressman Brett Guthrie’s district.

Another major change in the realignment of the districts is Congressman Hal Rogers’ district. Rogers (District 5) will lose the western part of Pulaski County to District 2, splitting his hometown into two districts.

Rogers hasn’t publicly commented on the bill. However, local attorney and House minority leader, Jeff Hoover came to Rogers’ defense.

“…It splits the home county of 5th District Congressman Harold Rogers, who has devoted more than 30 year to working with both Republicans and Democrats on improving the economy and opportunities for the people of Eastern Kentucky,” Hoover said. “If I was a representative from Eastern Kentucky and I voted for this plan, I would be embarrassed to say I supported dividing the home county of Congressman Rogers.”

Hoover continued to express his objection to the bill asking the Senate to “look long and hard at the House’s plan.”

“The proposal on congressional redistricting drawn up by the House Democrats and passed today is nothing more than a political document to protect Congressmen in the 3rd and 6th congressional Districts, and a negotiating ploy since they know this plan will never pass the Senate,” Hoover said.

State Representative John “Bam” Carney, who represents Adair County, voted no.

The House approved the bill on a 54-42 vote. The bill will now move on to the Senate.