Garrard judge-executive won't run for state office

LANCASTER — After eyeing a run for Kentucky secretary of state this year, Judge-Executive John Wilson has decided to stay put in Garrard County for now.
“While I am confident in the ability of my party to nominate an individual who can continue Secretary (Trey) Grayson’s level of excellence in the office, I have determined that I will not be a candidate this year,” Wilson wrote in his official statement concerning his decision. “At this time, the best interests of my family and my county are best served by continuing to focus my energies on being the best county judge-executive that I can be for my constituents.”
News that Wilson was considering a run for secretary of state first surfaced in late October when a Facebook fan page for supporters of a Wilson candidacy began gathering members. Wilson announced his decision not to run via Facebook as well, posting a note on Wednesday, less than a week before the Jan. 25 filing deadline for the primary election.
Wilson said in mid-December he was leaning more toward running than not. Asked about the change of heart, he said he simply doesn’t feel led to run for a state-level office right now.
“It’s just a decision that I wrestled with. I was really kind of internally torn,” he said. “They say on these things that you just have to trust your gut, and my gut was telling me ‘not now.’”
Wilson said he has received many complimentary e-mails and calls from people following the announcement of his decision. He’s also heard from some who are disappointed he’s not going to run.
For now, Wilson is content in Garrard — though he didn’t rule out a state run at some point down the road.
“As of right now, I’m planning on continuing to do what I’m doing,” he said. “At this moment, I’m not looking at any other races.”
Grayson, who is at the end of his two-term limit, is taking a job as director of Harvard University’s Institute of Politics.
Gov. Steve Beshear has announced he will appoint Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker to fill out the rest of Grayson’s term when he steps down Jan. 31.
Walker has filed to run for secretary of state in this year’s election, along with fellow Democratic candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes and Republican businessman Bill Johnson.