Kathy Stein

Kelly Flood's run for the 75th state House district will not go unopposed, as Fayette County Republican officials tapped dental assistant Kimberly Ward as their candidate for the race, according to Polwatchers.

It is ward's first bid attempt to win public office.

Ward and Flood will face off in an open seat race for the Lexington district formerly held by Democratic incumbent Kathy Stein.

Stein is leaving her seat to pursue the open 13th state Senate district left open by Sen. Ernesto Scorsone (D-Lexington), who is seeking a circuit court judgeship.

LEXINGTON -- With her bid for the 13th state Senate district just in the developing stages, state Rep. Kathy Stein (D-Lexington) took aim on Wednesday night at the head of the chamber she hopes to join - Senate President David Williams (R-Burkesville).

"President Williams doesn't like people to publicly say anything about him - to criticize him," said Stein. "I learned a long time ago that if you are going to be in politics, you need to take stands that need to be taken."

"You also have to have a skin that is as thick as a rhinoceroses' hide," added Stein.

Stein was addressing the crowd in Lexington at a forum for candidates competing for the Democratic nod for the 75th state House seat - the seat she gave up for her state Senate run. She said she was hopeful the victorious candidate could prove to be an ally in the state legislature.

"I am looking forward to embracing him and her so that we can work together to make sure that David Williams in the Senate has someone who will stand up to him," said Stein.

75th LD nominee Kelly Flood (D-Lexington): Politicker photo

LEXINGTON -- By the accounts from those on stage during Wednesday’s forum for Democratic hopefuls, the 75th state House district is a rarity in the Commonwealth.

The 75th is undoubtedly a Democratic stronghold. The current incumbent from the Lexington district, Rep. Kathy Stein, has faced Republican opposition just once since being elected in 1996, and she topped that rival by 31 points.

However, with the district referred to during the evening forum as the home of the state’s “progressive vanguard” as well as the “conscience of the House,” the 75th’s political uniqueness appears to go beyond mere party loyalty.

“While it is an honor to serve as a state representative from anywhere, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be the representative from the 75th district of Kentucky,” said Kelly Flood, a former minister and one of the five candidates standing for the opportunity to replace Stein as the district’s Democratic nominee.

“It’s not a district where powerful people in Frankfort can dictate our choices,” Flood added. “You don’t want just another politician. You want someone who will stand up.”

Fayette County Democrats will have a candidate for the 75th state House district by Aug. 8 as the process to select a replacement for Rep. Kathy Stein (D-Lexington) will begin this week. Stein is expected to withdraw her name from the House race to seek a state Senate seat. With three candidates already expressing interest in Stein's seat, a nominee will be selected following a "preference vote" among precinct committee members at an Aug. 6 candidate forum.

According to party rules, an "executive committee" comprised of two Fayette County Democratic leaders is officially selected to set the process whereby a nominee for the vacancy is chosen. In this case, that committee is comprised of Fayette County Democratic Party Chairman David O'Neill and 75th Legislative District chairwoman Jennifer Miller.

O'Neill told PoltickerKY.com the committee has chosen to honor the result of the August 6 forum vote, in which the precinct committee members from precincts within the 75th can participate.