LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A former leader within the Republican Party of Kentucky passed away on Friday.
According to his obituary, Robert 'Bob' Gable served as the chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky for seven years, and was a GOP gubernatorial candidate in 1975 and 1995.
In that time, Gable also served on the Republican National Committee in 1986, according to his obituary. The republican advocated for the arts and education, and chaired the Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Opera.
He also led The Stearns Coal and Lumber Company his great-grandfather started in 1902, the obituary said.
Gable married his wife Emily in Maine, and they raised three children together.
He was 90 years old.
Both prominent Republicans and his friends released statements following his death.
Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester:
“Bob Gable was the original Republican Party chairman and a leader when there were few Kentucky Republicans. In fact, Bob gave me my first contribution when I decided to get into politics.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn the loss of this great man, this great Kentuckian.”
Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK) Chairman Robert Benvenuti:
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Bob Gable and want to extend my deepest condolences to the entire Gable family. Words cannot fully convey the debt of gratitude Kentucky Republicans owe to Bob nor the profound impact he had on our Commonwealth.
When Bob first took the helm of our state party in 1986, the electoral challenges Republicans faced in Kentucky were daunting. At that time, Republicans held only one statewide office and were in the extreme minority in the General Assembly. Yet Bob’s unwavering commitment to our party guided us as we began laying the groundwork to reshape Kentucky's political landscape.
Today, thanks to Bob’s efforts, Republicans hold supermajorities in the General Assembly, and it's now the Democrats who hold only one statewide office. None of this would have been possible without Bob Gable’s leadership, dedication, and love for Kentucky. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us as we build on the foundation he helped to create.”
Former Gov. Haley Barbour:
"Bob Gable wasn’t just a friend; he was a leader and a driving force for the Republican Party in Kentucky and beyond. As state party chair, where I first knew him, he played a key role in advancing conservative principles and supporting the Reagan Revolution. From my early days in politics as a staffer through my days at the Reagan White House and my 4 years at RNC, I always knew I could count on Bob’s wisdom, integrity, and love for this country. He was one of those people who made you better just by working alongside of him. We have lost a great patriot, a true leader and I’ve lost a good friend.”
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