By RONNIE ELLIS
GLASGOW — They liken it to the Civil War, brother against brother.
Not the contest between House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, and Rep. Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, who wants Richards’ job.
Well, not exactly. Two second-term representatives, best of friends, find themselves on opposite sides of the Speaker’s race to be decided Tuesday.
Rep. Johnny Bell, D-Glasgow, supports Richards while Rep. Jeff Greer, D-Brandenburg, is for Stumbo. Predictably, each predicts his candidate will win. More importantly to them, each says their friendship will survive regardless of who wins the Speaker’s post.
“It’s almost like the Civil War – brother against brother,” said Greer, 44. “But when it’s over, Johnny and I will still be brothers.”
“That’s as good a metaphor for our situation as you can come up with,” said Bell, 43.
“I can’t wait until it’s over because Johnny and I – we’ve been limiting our conversations for a while,” Greer said. Bell said they still talk – about vacations, their families, legislation – but have avoided talk of the Speaker’s race. Each worries the race will divide Democrats in the House, but not them.
“I’m afraid no matter who wins people will be upset and angry,” Bell said. “We might end up in a situation where we can’t do what we were sent here to get done. But Jeff and I will be friends either way.”
The two met at orientation shortly after winning election to the House in 2006. Greer was on the lookout for Bell because Greer’s wife, Beth (Page) Greer, is a Glasgow native and knew Bell and his mother, Nellie, who delivered “hundreds of babies in Barren County” as a nurse at T.J. Samson Hospital. They quickly became fast friends and rely on the other to complement their experience.
Bell is an attorney while Greer is a successful insurance agent. He also served on the Meade County Board of Education for years. They rented apartments in the same building during their first session in 2007, often go together to receptions for lawmakers and usually take in dinner and a movie each week while in Frankfort on legislative business. Their families discussed a joint vacation this fall – but schedules couldn’t be worked out.
“We have just a good, solid friendship, one I’ll cherish for a long time,” Greer said.
“Once this is over, Jeff and I will be just as close as we’ve ever been,” said Bell.
So, who’s going to win Tuesday?
“I think Jody’s got it won,” Bell said.
“I predict Greg will win by eight to 10 votes,” Greer said. He said Stumbo’s negotiating ability, experience as an attorney, and political skill enable him to more effectively deal with the Republican Senate.
Bell counters that “Jody’s what’s best for us right now. That’s not to reflect negatively on Greg in any way. They’re both good fellas. I just think Jody’s what we need right now.”
Greer concedes he’s thought about the consequences of picking the wrong horse, but Bell said he doesn’t think Richards or Stumbo will retaliate against those who supported their opponent. Bell said any vindictiveness by the winner will undermine chances for a successful session.
“The very second one of them is elected, a true leader will forget all of this and move forward to represent the people of this commonwealth,” Bell said. “If we get into a situation where we are divided, it’s going to be a total failure for the governor, the legislature and the entire state.”
If Richards or Stumbo need an example of putting aside their differences, they can look to Bell and Greer.
“I know if my guy wins, I’m going to help Johnny in any way I can and I know he will do the same if his guy wins,” Greer said. “I can assure you when this thing is over, we’re going to be friends.”
Ronnie Ellis writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com.
