David Williams says he'd consider judgeship but no deal is done yet

Senate President David Williams said in a statement from his spokeswoman Thursday that he would consider accepting an appointment to an open circuit judgeship in his home county.

“No commission has been formed, no offer proposed, and no decision made. If there is an appointment offer, Sen Williams will consider it,” said the statement sent out to a few reporters from Lourdes Baez-Schrader, Williams’ spokeswoman.

As the statement notes, no judicial nominating commission has been formed to forward names of potential nominees to the governor. Gov. Steve Beshear said last week he would consider all names, including Williams, with whom Beshear has clashed.

Williams will have much to consider if he is nominated. He has led the Senate for 12 years. Leadership posts are up for election in January. He says he has the votes to continue in that capacity but a minority of senators from within the GOP caucus have become gradually more public about their frustrations with Williams.

At the same time, Williams has embraced the role of holding the Republicans’ line in state government especially during the last five years as he went up against a Democratic governor and Democratic-controlled House.

Among the key issues facing the General Assembly is revamping the state’s tax code. Beshear created a commission to look at revamping the state’s tax code. Williams has said he would oppose any increases in taxes, as well as expanded gambling, which the governor has supported as a way to generate revenue.