Lawmaker's Widow Placed On Ballot

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. -- The widow of a Kentucky lawmaker has been nominated to replace her late husband in next month's election, just one week after he died in a car crash.

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The Bullitt County Democratic Party was faced with having to nominate someone to replace State Rep. Larry Belcher's name on the ballot. In a unanimous vote Sunday, they determined the best candidate for the job is his widow, Linda.

"He was such a servant, and I feel like it was an honor to be a part of," she said.

For years, Linda Belcher stood beside her husband as he served the people of Bullitt County at the state level.

"He went to Frankfort because he saw a need that was not being addressed, and he stepped up to fill it," she said. "I can think of no greater way to honor Larry's legacy than to continue what he started for the people of Bullitt County."

Last Monday night, Belcher was driving on I-65 when his pickup rammed into the back of a tractor-trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"It's tragic that we lost Larry," said Trina Summers, the Republican candidate vying for the same seat.

Summers has served as a city councilwoman in Shepherdsville for eight years and has been campaigning to represent the state's 49th District since last November.

"I'm not going to change my campaign any," she said. "We're going to still continue to run an aggressive campaign, and keep the campaign on course. My message is the same. Bullitt County needs good, strong representation in Frankfort. They need a good advocate."

"For the past seven days, the people of Bullitt County have been so supportive and encouraging and have completely been there for me," said Linda Belcher. "It is now my turn to be there for you."