Lexington Mayor Gray backs Crosbie over Democrat Hollenbach for treasurer

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray is going with his Republican colleague in the urban county government, Councilwoman K.C. Crosbie, over Gray’s fellow Democrat, Todd Hollenbach, in the state treasurer’s race.

Gray said he has a great deal of respect for Crosbie, calling her “a great friend to me and a great member of the city council — deliberate, thoughtful, always reading and studying.”

Gray — in his first term as mayor of Lexington, a non-partisan position — served with Crosbie on the council since January 2007.

“We all learn over time, I think, that when we’ve got a friend in a competitive environment and a competitive race, you want to support your friend,” Gray said.

Crosbie is challenging Hollenbach, the incumbent Democratic state treasurer. Libertarian candidate Ken Moellman, who wants to abolish the office of treasurer, also is running in the race.

Gray said he is supporting other Lexington residents in the statewide races, including candidate for auditor Adam Edelen and candidate for secretary of state, Alison Grimes.