MAYFIELD, KY - Members of the Graves and McCracken County Republican Party Executive Committees unanimously nominated Graves County business owner Richard Heath to run as the Republican candidate in the special election to fill the unexpired term of Rep. Fred Nesler in Kentucky’s 2nd House District. The special election will be held on Tuesday, November 6 – the same day as the general election.

The winner of the special election on Tuesday, November 6 will serve until the end of the year, completing the remainder of Nesler’s term in the State House of Representatives. Nesler resigned in May 2012 to accept a position in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Because of the special election, Heath will be a candidate for State Representative in two different races. Richard Heath is also the Republican nominee for State Representative in House District 2 for the general election.

Kelly Whitaker is the Democratic nominee. The winner of the general election will be sworn in as the 2nd District’s new State Representative for a full, two year term in Kentucky’s General Assembly beginning in January 2013. 

“As a Graves County native, farmer, and owner of my small business, Heath Building Material, I understand the issues facing Western Kentucky.  I am aware of how over regulation and government red tape can stand in the way of economic growth, not just in my business, but across the Commonwealth,” Heath said.

“My goal is to bring creative, courageous, and common sense approaches to the Kentucky House of Representatives. Barack Obama and his failed, big government policies will be soundly rejected this November.  I look forward to continue meeting with the people of the 2nd District to learn the issues important to them and taking my conservative pro-life, pro-family, and pro-gun values to Frankfort,” Heath added.

Heath and his wife, Ruth, who works for the family business, have three married children and six grandchildren. They are active members of Trace Creek Baptist Church.  A 1973 graduate of Cuba High School, Heath earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from Murray State in 1984 and his agriculture master’s degree from MSU in 1989. 

Kentucky’s House District 2 covers all of Graves County and part of McCracken County.