Lt. Gov. backs Liggett campaign (10/19/04)

Indiana’s first female lieutenant governor has thrown her support — and that of Indiana’s governor — behind a veteran Jay County legislator.

Kathy Davis, who made history when she was appointed last year by Gov. Joe Kernan, made stops in Portland and Winchester to back the re-election campaign of District 33 State Rep. Ron Liggett (D-Redkey).

Liggett, who has served almost six full two-year terms since taking office in 1993, is running for re-election against Republican Bill Davis, a Portland businessman.

Kathy Davis, who was chosen to serve by Kernan following the death of then-Gov. Frank O’Bannon, told a group of about 30 Democratic faithful Monday afternoon at Arts Place in Portland, “It’s great to be here in support of our wonderful State Rep. Ron Liggett.”

Citing Liggett’s work in a variety of roles in state government, she said that “Ron Liggett has been a tremendous leader.” Davis said one of one Liggett’s key contributions has been fighting for the rights of working people across the state.

Liggett, battling a cold, told those in attendance that “I want to tell you how much I appreciate what you do … This is an important election for our seniors and our young people.”

The Liggett-Davis race has attracted support and money from state party officials. Kathy Davis’ appearance Monday came just two days after U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) spoke and endorsed Bill Davis at a rally at the Jay County Courthouse.

Kernan also will be in Jay County Thursday evening for the fall Democratic Party dinner.

Kathy Davis, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has served in a variety of roles in state government — including as budget director (1995-97), secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (1997) and as deputy commissioner of the Indiana Department of Transportation (1989).[[In-content Ad]]