Stumbo says Richards has been blaming the governor, Sen. David Williams and other House leaders for the disastrous 2008 legislative session when "he should bear some of the responsibility." Stumbo says the "last straw" was when the House "stopped the clock" on the last night of the session to try and get more pieces of legislation passed before the clock in the chamber struck midnight. Stumbo says that personfied the entire session and the need for a change in leadership.

The former House Majority Leader says he'll stand up to Senate President David Williams when he has to, but knows "i can't run over him and he can't run over me." Stumbo claims Richards has "not as vigorously defended the House's position as it should have been" during some negotiations with the Senate. However, Stumbo says he's proud of his relationship with Williams and believes the Burkesville senator takes some unjustified criticism.

Stumbo has sent a questionaire along with his letters to all House members. In that questionaire, Stumbo asks members if they agree with his belief that legislators need more staff and the budget subcommittees should be expanded to include more lawmakers who aren't members of the full Appropriations and Revenue Committee.

The Prestonsburg democrat says "I feel good about" the challenge to Richards. Now, he says, he must convince members that he's the one who can bring change to a process in the House that's broken.

Statement from House Speaker Jody Richards:

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Kentucky House Speaker, and I am confident I will be re-elected in January. For several months I have had meaningful, in-depth discussions with members, and I have more than 40 solid commitments.

"Between now and the November election, I will continue to work diligently to elect Democrats to the Kentucky House. I look forward to articulating the values and ideas of our Democrat caucus and our chamber to move Kentucky forward."