Williams Jumps Out to Early Lead Over Moffett in Kentucky GOP Primary

Republican David Williams has jumped out to an early, but not commanding, lead over Louisville entrepreneur Phil Moffett in Kentucky’s Republican gubernatorial primary.

With 12 percent of the state’s precincts reporting, Williams had 8,037 votes, or 45 percent, to Moffett’s 7,264 votes, or 41 percent. Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw, whose cash-strapped candidacy failed to catch fire, is trailing far behind with 2,485, or 14 percent.

Moffett defeated Williams by 350 votes in Boone County, one of the earliest counties to report complete returns.

Williams, the state Senate president, raised more than $1.2 million for his primary campaign and dominated Kentucky’s airwaves in the weeks before today’s primary.

The winner will face popular Democratic incumbent Steve Beshear, who was running unopposed for his party’s nomination.