Metro council Republicans aim to expand their stable

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A contingent of Republican members of the Louisville Metro Council traveled north this week to attend the Republican National Convention, and they say they are getting ideas about how to grow their numbers – even in districts traditionally regarded as non-competitive for the GOP.

“What we’re working toward, of course, is to be on a level playing field or even having a majority,” said Councilman Glen Stuckel, of the 17th Metro Council District.

Democrats currently hold a 15 to 11 advantage in the Metro Council chamber.

Stuckel is a delegate to the RNC, but he says he and his council colleagues are doing more than just waiting to nominate U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) as their party’s presidential choice.

“One of the things that we’re doing here is we are getting some good ideas about how we can help our local candidates,” said Stuckel during a Monday interview. “We went to a strategy meeting this morning, and they threw out some really good ideas about what we as a party can do.”

“Hopefully, we transfer that back to what we’re doing locally,” Stuckel added. “That’s going to protect what we have in the way of the council and maybe increase our membership and make the Republican coalition a little bit stronger.”

In the immediate future, council Republicans are hoping to score a few wins this election cycle.

“I think you’ve got some good races out there,” said Councilman Kevin Kramer of the 11th district.

Kramer said Democratic incumbents in districts 12 and 14 were facing “serious opposition” from Republican challengers. In 12, Councilman Rick Blackwell is being challenged by Republican Dwight Witten. District 14 is a contest between Councilman Robert Henderson and Republican Bob Heuglin.

“Those are traditionally Democratic, but we have some good candidates there that are putting forth the effort to try and make things come together,” said Kramer.

Kramer also said there was notable opposition in district 24, where Democratic incumbent Madonna Flood faces Republican challenger Scott Weddle.

Councilman Ken Fleming, who represents the 7th district, also pointed to district 26 – an open seat contest that Republican Graham Honaker wants to keep in Republican hands against Democrat Brent Ackerson.

“He’s working very hard and is very impressive,” said Fleming about Honaker.

“That’s a seat we’re going to keep,” added Kramer.

Stuckel noted that, if Republicans hope to get a council majority, work must be done to cultivating and recruiting quality candidates in districts previously dominated by Democrats to the extent that Republicans often don’t even run.

“In the long term, what we’d like to do is in the districts where there hasn’t been any opposition is to develop good candidates. It just isn’t right to have someone running unopposed,” said Stuckel. “Nobody ever runs, because they think it’s impossible, but that’s not true. If we had good candidates, we could win.”