GOP committee backs Massie for nomination in yet-to-be-called special election

The Republican Party’s committee in the 4th Congressional District voted unanimously Wednesday night to endorse Thomas Massie as the party’s nominee once a special election is called to replace U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis, who resigned Tuesday.

Gov. Steve Beshear has yet to call the special election, which is likely to fall on the general election, Nov. 6.

Kevin Sell, the 4th Congressional District Republican Party chairman, said the group unanimously approved the motion to back Massie during a regularly-scheduled conference call on Wednesday. Massie won the GOP primary in May to become the nominee for the 2013-‘14 term in Congress. He defeated six others, including the candidate Davis supported, state Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington.

Sell said he told the committee the party must be unified behind Massie:

I spoke to the importance of the special election and how we must work to
support Thomas Massie through this process: “Yes, anyone can be nominated, but this is not the time for shenanigans. I need you to be leaders, not game show hosts. Furthermore, I need each of you to acknowledge that Thomas Massie is our candidate and the only Republican Candidate in this race. I will consider it a disloyal and damaging act by anyone who rises and nominates any person other than Thomas Massie.”

Sell said Davis called-in to thank the committee members for their prayers and kind
words in light of his resignation to deal with a family health issue. Davis also encouraged the committee to get behind Massie in the fall race against Democratic candidate Bill Adkins, Sell said.