The Louisville surgeon is being sued in Small Claims court by a Lexington political consultant. Brian Wright is asking a Fayette County judge to award him $1500 for bills that Henry has failed to pay. According to Wright, he did two research projects for Henry in late 2006 and early 2007 but never got paid. Wright says he sent five or six invoices to Henry and even talked to Henry on the phone about the payments, but hasn't seen a check. So Wright decided to go to court.

Wright says Henry acknowledged in those phone calls that he owed money for work done. But Henry told me last Thursday that he doesn't know whether he owes Wright any cash or not. Henry said he had to "check with Rene" because she was in charge of the Lexington operation. Henry was referring to his running mate in the governor's race, Fayette County P.V.A. Rene True. The Louisville democrat said he was unaware of any complaint being filed against him in Small Claims court. I told Henry that he or True needed to call me back with information. Neither did.

Wright says he dealt directly with Steve Henry, not his campaign. He admits he doesn't have a written contract for the work he did. Wright says Henry first hired him In November 2006 to do research on alternative fuels. At the time, Wright says Henry was weighing whether to run for governor or U.S. Senate. After Henry launched his gubernatorial campaign in January, Wright says Henry asked him to do research on women's issues for True. Wright says he also researched campaign slogans and possible website ideas.

Brian Wright is a former radio newsman who was Ben Chandler's spokesman when Chandler was Attorney General. Wright had recently worked for the Kentucky League of Cities but now has his own consulting company. As for Henry, a special prosecutor and state police are still investigating whether he raised money for a potential U.S. Senate race then illegally spent the money to help launch a statewide race for governor.