Incumbent Representative Buddy Wheatley (D-Covington) is one of two Democrats representing Northern Kentucky in the statehouse. He hopes to return for a third term, but it might be challenging this time. Redistricting significantly changed the district that’s been Democratic and mainly contained the City of Covington. Republican Stephanie Dietz is challenging him for the seat. […]
Author Archives: Mark Payne
Mark Payne is the government and politics reporter for LINK nky. Email him at mpayne@linknky.com.
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Posted inFrankfort
NKY Senator wants to restart Kentucky’s use of the death penalty
Northern Kentucky Senator John Schickel (R-Union) wants to bring back capital punishment in Kentucky. Currently, there’s an injunction in circuit court that prevents the death penalty from being used in the Commonwealth. Schickel said he plans to speak with the attorney general and 2023 AG candidates in order to do so. “It’s been a long […]
Posted inNews
Eric Deters faces criminal menacing charges after run-in with juvenile nephew
Former Northern Kentucky attorney turned gubernatorial candidate Eric Deters faces charges of menacing, harassing communications, and criminal trespassing after allegedly having a run-in with his juvenile nephew on a farm in Independence. Deters has been embroiled in legal proceedings this year. Most notably, Trump associate Corey Lewandowski and Deters sued each other over breach of […]
Posted inElections
House District 67 Preview: Incumbent Rachel Roberts versus Jerry Gearding
The race for House District 67 might be the most contested legislative race in Northern Kentucky, with incumbent Rachel Roberts (D-Newport) facing Republican challenger Jerry Gearding. LINK nky originally scheduled both candidates for a forum on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. on our Facebook page. Gearding backed out of the forum, so Roberts will appear […]
Posted inFrankfort
How one NKY lawmaker wants to end vaping in schools
Northern Kentucky Rep. Mark Hart (R-Falmouth) wants to end vaping in schools, and he plans to introduce legislation in the 2023 Legislative Session intended to do just that. “We’re in the process of drafting legislation, which I hope to have ready and available to be filed first of January,” Hart said. Hart and Pendleton County […]
Posted inElections
District 68: Democrat Kelly Jones faces Mike Clines in heavily Republican district
In the heavily Republican House District 68, Democrat Kelly Jones faces a challenge for the open seat against Republican Mike Clines. Both candidates are political rookies competing for a seat currently held by Joseph Fischer (R-Fort Thomas), who is running for the Kentucky Supreme Court. Fischer has held the seat since 1999. Before him, Republican […]
Posted inElections
Northern Kentucky’s clerks weigh in on the sanctity of elections in the region
Today marks three weeks until the Nov. 8 midterms. This election holds significance in the U.S. and locally because it’s the first major election since 2020. Former President Donald Trump lost the election but falsely claimed President Joe Biden stole the election. Those who echo Trump’s statements in Kentucky continue to challenge the election process. […]
Posted inNews
State commission to stop in Covington to hear from those affected by Opioid epidemic
On Tuesday evening, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission will hold a town hall in Covington at the Kenton County Government Center. The Advisory Commission is hosting eight town halls across the Commonwealth to hear from Kentuckians affected by the opioid epidemic. They have already held three; the remaining five community events will be in […]
Posted inFeatured Story
Local leaders weigh in on rising inflation, Kentucky’s economy
The Consumer Price Index rose 8.2 percent in September, leading to continued rising prices for American consumers and signs that inflation continues to impact the U.S. economy. The report showed a mixed bag of increases, with the cost of rent continuing to rise along with food prices. One positive for our wallets? Gas prices slightly […]
Posted inElections
Explainer: These are the constitutional amendments on the ballot Nov. 8
Kentucky voters will vote on two amendments this November that could drastically change the legislature’s power and abortion access in the state. Constitutional Amendment One will allow the legislature to call itself into a special session. Constitutional Amendment Two will put language into the Kentucky constitution prohibiting access to abortion. Let’s take a look at […]
