By Gary Pitts
Frankfort, KY – Senate redistricting in Kentucky left a bad taste in the mouths of many Democrats. Among the Senators not happy about the new district map is 4th District Senator Dorsey Ridley of Henderson. Senator Ridley experienced quite a change during the recent redistricting battle. The 4th District, which once comprised of six western Kentucky counties, is now downtown Lexington. Ridley says while his district has been disenfranchised, he will continue to represent western Kentucky while working with displaced and former Lexington Senator Kathy Stein to represent her former post. He says for now, he has two jobs. But when his term expires in two years, he would like to represent his home in Henderson, which is now represented by 6th District Senator Jerry Rhoads.
"He and I are just going to have to sit down and make a decision on that. And whatever we decide, it will not be at the ballot box. In other words we will not challenge each other at the ballot box. Look, my sister is married to his brother. Our fathers were friends."
Ridley says while he's not happy with the current situation, he supported Governor Steve Beshear's decision to sign redistricting legislation because it was time to move forward.