McKeehan drops of out circuit judge’s race

Former county attorney and circuit judge Emby McKeehan is withdrawing from the division two circuit judge’s race.
McKeehan, who served three terms as county attorney would have faced incumbent Paul Braden in the November General Election.
“There comes a time when one must realize that he cannot go on forever, and I would find no pleasure in winning an election over an old friend, even if I could,” McKeehan said in a letter to the News Journal. “Paul and I go back a long time. When I first met him, he was a radio personality in Middlesboro and we were classmates in law school at the University of Kentucky.
“As I step down and withdraw from the race for circuit judge of the 34th judicial circuit, I say farewell to politics, the thrill and challenge of the campaign and exchange it for the peace and quietude of a simple existence, just taking care of my law practice and fishing some.”
Another reason McKeehan, who is 82 years old, noted for his withdrawal from the race is that he was recently advised by the secretary of state’s office that he could not draw a salary for judge, and his retirement at the same time.
McKeehan was first elected county attorney in 1977 narrowly defeating Ben Davis in the primary by 15 votes. Four years later he was unchallenged in his bid for re-election. In 1983, he was elected circuit judge.
In 1998, McKeehan was elected to a third term as county attorney winning a three-way race in the Republican primary. He came up short in his bid for re-election four years ago losing out to his then assistant, Paul Winchester, in the primary.
McKeehan’s withdrawal means that Braden will be unopposed in his bid for a second term in office. Division one Circuit Judge Jerry Winchester is also unopposed in his bid for re-election.
McKeehan is the second candidate to withdraw from the election since the Jan. 31 filing deadline.
Glenda G. Taylor withdrew from the jailer’s race on Feb. 3.