Local fundraiser to be held Monday for Williams-Farmer campaign

A prominent local businessman and his wife will hold a fundraiser at their Corbin home Monday, Jan. 24 for Kentucky gubernatorial candidates David Williams and Richie Farmer.

Terry Forcht, CEO and Founder of Forcht Group of Kentucky, is sponsoring the event, which will begin at 6:00 p.m. The formal reception is one of the first fundraising events by the Williams/Farmer ticket following their official filings for Governor and Lt. Governor Tuesday.

"The ticket is well recognized around the state. We certainly share their conservative values. I think David Williams time has come," Forcht said this week. "As a businessman, I can tell you he is on the right side of the issues. He’s always supported measures to try to make Kentucky as competitive as we possibly can."

Williams represents Kentucky’s 16th Senatorial District in the State Senate, which covers Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Monroe, Wayne and Whitley Counties. He was first elected in 1987 after serving a two-year stint in the Kentucky House of Representatives. In 2000, Williams became the first Republican President of the Senate and has held the position since.

Farmer, who is on the ticket as a candidate for Lt. Governor, is also a Republican and has served as the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture since 2003.

Currently, only two candidates have filed to run for Kentucky Governor: Williams and incumbent Democrat Steve Beshear. Beshear’s running mate is former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson.

Forcht said one of the principle reasons he supports Williams is that he identifies with the needs of business owners in border counties, especially those in southeast Kentucky. He points out that Tennessee has no state or corporate income tax, often making it a more attractive option for businesses.

Williams has proposed forming a special panel to totally rewrite Kentucky’s tax code, which he says is the result of decades of "patchwork" legislation that often panders to special interests.

"Here’s my plan: Take the politics and special interests out of the tax code," Williams writes on his official campaign website, www.williamsfarmer.com.

"This isn’t another study group. It is an action-oriented panel that would write a new, pro-growth tax code and deliver it to the legislature."

Williams said the new code would be put up for an up or down vote in 2012.

Forcht, who is a well-know supporter of Rebublican candidates and organizations, said he thinks Kentucky is ready for another Republican governor. The state’s electorate is a conundrum in that most voters are registered Democrats, but statewide races have typically gone the GOP’s way in recent years.

"There is definitely a Republican tide there," Forcht said. "I think people are moving towards fiscal and social conservatism and I think we will see a national administration that is Republican coming up in 2012. It is important for us to be in tune with that administration."

Anyone interested in attending Monday’s fundraiser is welcome. Cost is $250 for patrons, $500 for sponsors and $1,000 to be a co-host. Those planning to attend should RSVP to amy@williamsfarmer.com.

The event will take place at 500 Scenic View Drive in Corbin. Business attire is expected.