COLD SPRING — Kentucky's heated Democratic gubernatorial primary got a little hotter during Saturday night's annual Guidugli family picnic.

Callahan

        In a move other party leaders anticipated, House Majority Caucus Chairman Jim Callahan, D-Wilder, endorsed House Speaker Jody Richards in what looks to be a four-way primary loaded with Democratic heavyweights.

        “I've served with the man in (House) leadership for eight years, and I know he is qualified to be governor,” said Mr. Callahan of his House colleague.

        “That's not to say the others are unqualified. But Jody Richards has always been a friend to Northern Kentucky. I've seen him do it time and time again, year after year.”

        Mr. Richards was clearly elated by Mr. Callahan's endorsement, made in an interview during the picnic that has become a staple of the statewide Democratic campaign circuit.

        In its ninth year, this late-summer picnic has morphed from an annual gathering of the Guiduglis, an active and successful family of Campbell County Democrats, into a major political event. About 250 people attended Saturday night at the home of Cold Spring City Council candidate Dave Guidugli.

        Along with U.S. Rep. Ken Lucas, Mr. Callahan is the top tier of Democratic leadership in Northern Kentucky, a lawmaker even some Republicans go to when seeking money or support in Frankfort for Northern Kentucky initiatives.

        Mr. Richards and Mr. Callahan were ardent and early supporters of such projects as the $40 million Northern Kentucky Convention Center, the $38 million science building at Northern Kentucky University and legislation that provided tax breaks for Newport on the Levee and Kentucky Speedway.

        “I know what kind of respect Jim Callahan has in Frankfort,” Mr. Richards said. “I suspect it's the same here in Northern Kentucky ... and it is certainly is an honor to have his support.”

        Other Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls in attendance — Attorney General Ben Chandler and Lt. Gov. Steve Henry — said Mr. Callahan's support of Mr. Richards was expected because both serve in House Democratic leadership.

        Still, Gov. Paul Patton said Mr. Callahan's endorsement will “influence” some Northern Kentucky Democrats.

        “When you look at a lot of Northern Kentucky successes, you can attribute a lot of that to Jim Callahan,” said Mr. Patton, who has long viewed Mr. Callahan as one of his top legislative allies.

        “Who he supports will influence people.”

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