Kentucky 5th District state Rep. Kenny Imes of Murray has filed to run for re-election in 2016.
If elected, it would be Imes' sixth term in the state House of Representatives. Before returning to politics in 2012, Imes served three terms in the House from 1972-1979. Earlier this year, Imes ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for state treasurer.
Imes said he’s confident that if re-elected, he will be a part of the House majority. Republicans need to pick up four seats in the state House for their first majority there in more than 90 years.
“I think that’s a whole game-changer as far as state government’s concerned," Imes said. "I think we’ll get off to a fresh new start. We’ve got a lot of issues, especially the budget, the pension system.”
Imes said he supports Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s agenda, including allowing charter schools in Kentucky.
“I don’t think we’ve got an issue in Calloway orTriggCounty," Imes said. "We’ve got three of the finest schools in the state that consistently rate in at least the top 10 in every category, so it’s not a major issue with me, but I do believe I would support charter schools, though. I just think it’s an alternative.”
Imes' district includes Calloway County and part of Trigg County. He said his priorities in his next term would include securing funding for work on U.S. 641 South to the Tennessee state line and shifting Kentucky’s gubernatorial election back to an even-numbered year. Imes has pre-filed legislation for the 2016 General Assembly that would move the election of statewide constitutional officers to even-numbered years beginning in 2024.
Candidates from major parties have until January 26 to file for next year's primary election.
