Regina Bunch wins re-election by large margin

Regina Bunch easily won re-election Tuesday as 82nd District Representative.

Republican State Representative Regina Bunch will be returning to Frankfort in January and it will be as part of the new Republican majority in the State House of Representatives.

Bunch, who was seeking her second third term in the seat, handily defeated democratic challenger Bill Conn Tuesday night 12,465 to 3,639.

In Whitley County, Bunch secured 10,377 votes to Conn’s 3,017.

Bunch, who currently serves on the House Education, Labor & Industry, and Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Safety Committees, said it remains to be seen what committees she may chair.

“We have got to be the people’s house and do the people’s business,” Bunch said.

Bunch said after 95 years in the minority, the new Republican majority would be best served by remembering where it came from.

“I’m hopeful that we will remember what it is like to sit in the minority,” Bunch said, noting that she will be encouraging the leadership to work with the Democrats whenever possible.

Bunch said at the other end of the spectrum, the new leadership must not become a rubber stamp for Gov. Matt Bevin.

“There has to be checks and balances,” Bunch said.

Bunch said she wants to see the legislature work to improve job opportunities for the people of Kentucky.

To that end, Bunch said the best thing the legislature can do is cut regulations and red tape.

“We have to make it easier for people to do business in Kentucky,” Bunch said.

Bunch said she would also like to see tax reform taken up during the 2017 session.

“Our tax codes are so antiquated,” Bunch said.

Bunch said she understands there are people who believe nothing will change and it is up to her and the other Republicans in the House to prove themselves.

“I’m hoping this is a new day in Kentucky and a new day in politics,” Bunch said.

Conn offered his thanks to all of the voters in the 82^nd District who went to the polls Tuesday.

“I would like to thank all my supporters, who came out for me during this election. I am very proud of the way we conducted ourselves during this election. I am especially proud of all the support given to me in the community.”

Conn also congratulated Bunch on her re-election campaign.

“I still believe we can be a better district in the 82nd, and that we all should strive to do so and come together and pray for our local, state and federal leaders,” Conn added.

Conn said that it is too early to tell whether he would run for public office again.

“Right now, I will go back. I really enjoy my career as a schoolteacher. More importantly than that, I love being a father and a husband and spending time with my family,” Conn noted.