Louisville doctor Michael Macfarlane announces challenge to Yarmuth

Republican and urological surgeon Dr. Michael Macfarlane of Prospect announced Tuesday that he would challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth in the 3rd District that covers much of Louisville.

Macfarlane has lived in Louisville since 1992 and has worked as a urological surgeon at Jewish Hospital, Norton Healthcare, and Baptist East.

“As a practicing physician and surgeon, I am extremely passionate about my profession, and would like to bring my vast experience in the healthcare field to Kentuckians, especially as we are faced with complications from the Affordable Care Act and its effects on Kentucky jobs and small businesses,” Macfarlane said in a press release. “I am a career surgeon, not a career politician; and I truly believe that I am the right prescription for Kentucky’s Third Congressional District.”

A search of Macfarlane’s FEC contributions show a long history of donating to the Kentucky Republican Party, former President George W. Bush, Republican candidates in the U.S. House and Senate, including former U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, former Congresswoman Anne Northup and 2010 GOP congressional challenger Todd Lally, who lost to Yarmuth.

Kentucky’s lone Democrat in the congressional delegation, Yarmuth, raised $57,305 in his third-quarter fundraising report which brings him to $621,958 cash-on-hand for the cycle. Yarmuth cruised to victory in his 2012 re-election bid over GOP nominee Brooks Wicker.

Yarmuth’s Campaign Treasurer, Sarah Martin, told reporters in a statement that there would be plenty of time to campaign – but that’s a discussion for later.

“Congressman Yarmuth remains engaged in critical national debates over the federal budget and long-term strategies to grow our economy. There will be plenty of time for the 2014 campaign, and he will be fully prepared for any potential challenger,” Martin said.