By Chris Taylor
Paducah, KY – Former state Representative Rex Smith will be seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge the general assembly's only independent senator in next year's election. Smith phoned Second District state Senator Bob Leeper yesterday to inform him of his candidacy intentions. The Paducah Sun speculates the race will gain statewide attention from issues like partisan senate control, expanded gambling at racetracks and redistricting after the 2010 census. Leeper has held the seat for over 18 years. The second district represents McCracken, Marshall and Ballard counties.