KellyStiversLeeper

The pieces continue to fall into place, whether by design or incredible coincidence, for Democrats to wrest control of the Kentucky Senate away from Republicans.

As reported by Tom Loftus in the Courier-Journal, Republican Sen. Dan Kelly was among three people nominated Friday to fill a vacant circuit judgeship in Central Kentucky.

If, as expected, Governor Steve Beshear names Kelly to the post, he would also then call a special election to fill the open seat. It would be the third special election for an open Senate seat called by Beshear this year and the second as a result of a gubernatorial appointment.

If a Democrat wins Kelly's seat, it would reduce the Republican majority in the Senate to 19-18-1. The "1" is Paducah Senator Bob Leeper, an indepedent who caucuses with the Republicans. But, if Leeper, who was first elected as a Democrat, then a Republican and then an Independent, should return to his Democrat roots or at least caucus with the Dems, the party-switcher could become king-maker.

In the mean time, the GOP still has control of the Senate, and today elected Robert Stivers tp replace Kelly as Senate Majority Floor Leader.

Here's the release from Senate President David Williams' office:

Frankfort - State Senator Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) was elected by his peers today as Senate Majority Floor Leader to fill the position left open by Senator Dan Kelly's resignation. The term runs until the 2011 Session. The Majority Floor Leader is one of five Republican leadership positions in the Kentucky State Senate and acts on behalf of his party during the proceedings on the Senate floor. The Majority Floor Leader helps guide bills through the legislative process on the Senate floor.

"I thank the Republican Caucus for their support," Stivers said, "I look forward to working with all the members of the State Senate on behalf of all Kentuckians."

Senator Robert Stivers has served in the Kentucky Senate since 1997. As a member of Senate Leadership, he will serve on the Legislative Research Commission. He is also the chairman of the Judiciary Committee and serves on the Appropriations and Revenue Committee and Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations. Senator Stivers represents the 25th District of Magoffin, Morgan, Wolfe, Lee, Owsley, Clay, and Knox counties.

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