The number two Democrat in the state House of Representatives said Thursday he is not interested in running for the top spot next year.

“I have no interest in running for Speaker,” said House Majority Leader, Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook. “I’m very comfortable in the position I hold as Majority Leader.”

Former Majority Leader and Attorney General Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, is considering a challenge to House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, the longest-serving Speaker in state history. But Tuesday, Stumbo said he’d be happy to run for Majority Leader – his old job before serving four years as AG – if Adkins wanted to run for Speaker. Stumbo was previously Majority Leader under Richards but many thought Stumbo controlled the agenda.

A potentially bloody leadership struggle appears to be shaping up as Stumbo, who helped make Richards Speaker more than a decade and a half ago, seems on the verge of challenging him next January. Richards was criticized for ineffectiveness by Stumbo and Gov. Steve Beshear after the 2008 General Assembly, which failed to pass Beshear’s top legislative priority, a constitutional amendment allowing casino gambling in Kentucky.

Richards and Stumbo are actively courting support from Democratic House members. Candidates for the other leadership offices are also lining up support, some trying to align themselves with Richards, others with Stumbo.

Richards ally Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, is challenging incumbent Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Okolona, who sparred with Richards in the 2008 session.

John Will Stacy, D-West Liberty, is seeking the Whip’s position vacated by the retiring Rob Wilkey who sided with Clark against Richards on controversial casino gambling legislation.

Tommy Thompson, D-Owensboro, also wants that job and is thought to be aligned with Clark. Clark has endorsed Stumbo for Speaker should he decide to run.

Just this past week, Arnold Simpson, D-Covington, said he’s thinking of running for Whip as well and said others are also considering that race. Former Caucus Chairman Bob Damron, D-Nicholasville, is expected to challenge the man who unseated him, Charlie Hoffman, D-Georgetown, a Richards ally.

But no one has even hinted of challenging Adkins.

“I’m honored the members have had the confidence in me to hold the position of Majority Leader for the past five years,” Adkins said. “I’ve worked very hard and tried to do the best job I could for all the members. They know I’ll be fair and I’ll have an open door policy for all members.”

Watching closely is Beshear who said during a series of town hall meetings across the state this summer that he doesn’t believe casino gambling is dead. That was the issue which most deeply divided the current leadership and Stumbo has said Richards was ineffective in pushing the amendment.

There was talk earlier in the year and again this summer that Beshear might offer Adkins a job in his energy cabinet. Adkins works for Appalachian Fuels and sponsored major energy legislation in the past two sessions. That would also have cleared the way for Stumbo to run for his old job, but Adkins said he thinks he can be more effective on energy matters as Majority Leader.

Adkins generally sided with Richards in the past session but he’s been close to Stumbo as well.

Those watching the leadership race shape up say Adkins’ support might be a crucial factor. But Adkins isn’t saying who he’s supporting.

“I’m just concentrating wholly on the office of Majority Leader,” Adkins said Thursday in Louisville at the annual Farm Bureau Breakfast.

“Those matters are internal matters,” Adkins said when asked who he supports for Speaker. “They need to be handled internally – and not in the press.”

Ronnie Ellis writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com.