David Watson

U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) will headline a fundraiser for 48th state House District candidate David Watson (D-Louisville) this Thursday.

Yarmuth, a freshman member of Congress engaged in a competitive contest against former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup (R-Louisville), will appear at the 21C hotel in Louisville for the event benefitting Watson.

"I think it says we're viable. I don't think he'd be coming in if we were not," Watson told. "I'm honored he would come."

Watson faces state sixteen-year incumbent state Rep. Bob DeWeese (R-Louisville) in his race to win the district comprising a sizeable chunk of northeastern Jefferson County.

48th District House candidate David Watson (D-Louisville): Politicker photo

Businessman David Watson (D-Louisville) entered the race for Kentucky's 48th state House District as a political novice in a long-time Republican area. With some prognosticators predicting Republican struggles across the country, and with his family history and business background, Watson speculates he could put up a winning fight against sixteen-year incumbent and Minority caucus chair Bob DeWeese (R-Louisville).

Watson comes from a unique bloodline that he says resonates with many in the district. His father, Merle Watson, was a Democratic Party activist who Watson notes worked as "Ronald McDonald" in Kentucky, contributing to the growth of Ronald McDonald House charities in the area. Watson says his father's legacy in the community has led to support from voters and party insiders.

In an interview with PolitickerKY.com, Watson argues he can build upon this foundation to connect with voters with a more "moderate" approach informed by his long history in the private sector, pushing zero-based budgeting and modernization in Frankfort.

"I embrace technology, I embrace innovation, and I want to look at different ways of doing things and seeing the best way to do it," said Watson.

Along those lines, Watson also discusses a unique approach to fundraising, pitching events that "give value" to the donor's dollars.