PageOne: Jenkins will seek Speaker Pro-Tem position

State Rep. Joni JenkinsState Rep. Joni Jenkins (D-Shivley) will challenge the current Speaker Pro-Tem of the Kentucky House of Representatives, Larry Clark (D-Louisville), for his leadership position, according to reports from PageOne Kentucky.

That site printed a letter from Jenkins to her Democratic House colleagues in which she outlines her reasons for running:

Every year, there are successes and there are missed opportunities. This past year, however; there was one overriding issue that adversely affected the entire session - the conflicts within the House Majority Leadership team.

It is very clear to me that the House Democratic Caucus must have a five member leadership team that works together for the benefit of the entire Democratic membership.

For this reason, I am running for the leadership position of Speaker Pro-Tem.

Clark has served in the legislature since 1984, holding the Speaker Pro-Tem position since 1993.

Jenkins has held her seat since 1994.

Jenkins was particularly visible this primary election season, serving as a state campaign co-chair for Senator Hillary Clinton's (D-N.Y.) presidential bid. Jenkins appeared on stage with former President Bill Clinton at several occassions.

Jenkins also penned a letter attacking incumbent U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) on equal pay legislation. The letter was circulated by the campaign of Democratic Senate candidate - and now nominee - Bruce Lunsford, who faces McConnell in November.

Clark endorsed Lunsford's primary opponent, Louisville businessman Greg Fischer, in early May.