(WHAS11) - The voting has already begun in a special election that could change the Kentucky state senate and usher in slots.
That election includes Marion and Nelson County voters who are being asked to choose a new state senator.
This special election is expected to cost well over $500,000. Both state parties are involved as well as the governor and special interest money. But one group that may not be too involved, is the voters.
Candidates Jodie Haydon and Jimmy Higdon have both served in the state house and US Military, own their own businesses, want to create more jobs in central Kentucky and share a ballot and a desire to win Tuesday’s special election.
They had just 30 days to run a campaign to replace Dan Kelly after Governor Beshear appointed the republican to fill a judgeship, an appointment that opened the door for democrats to move within a vote of sharing power in the state senate.
It is the state senate where the governor's attempt to expand casino style gambling at racetracks has failed.
Influence by the horse racing industry shows up in campaign ads and contributions to Haydon, who favors swift action, while Higdon favors a special election within the next two years to let voters decide.
It's Haydon who's winning the campaign contributions nearly 3-1, campaigns that will cost more than a half million dollars. Haydon reported last week that he had raised $330,000. Jimmy Higdon's campaign finance report, filed Monday, shows he raised just more than $131,000.
However, the special election seems to be taking a back seat to the holiday season. We found only a few Wal-Mart shoppers who'd put voting on their holiday list and some commercials has those in the know calling this special election, a nasty election.
The election is Tuesday and it appears more interests outside the 14th District may be watching the outcome than those in their hometown.
