LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Republican gubernatorial hopeful Will T. Scott has selected former sheriff Rodney Coffey as his running mate and has endorsed expanding gambling as a way to raise money to meet Kentucky's public pension obligations.
Scott introduced the former Menifee County sheriff as his running mate at a campaign kickoff Tuesday in Louisville.
The ticket matches two eastern Kentuckians, but Scott says his ideas will appeal to voters statewide.
Scott, a Pike County native, endorsed a constitutional amendment legalizing casino-style gambling. He said most of the money should be earmarked to pay down the state's unfunded pension liabilities.
Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear made expanded gambling a centerpiece of his campaigns but has been unable to get gambling legislation through the General Assembly.
Scott also made a pitch for charter schools in his announcement.