Beshear, Abramson Hold Official Candidacy Announcement

From Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeighIn Louisville, he’s known as “Mayor for Life,” because he’s led Kentucky’s largest city for 20 years. But now, Mayor Jerry Abramson wants to be called lieutenant governor.In their first joint press conference on the race today, Abramson announced he’s joining Gov. Steve Beshear’s ticket for the 2011 gubernatorial campaign.Abramson says he and Beshear have been friends for 30 years and he has great respect for Beshear’s leadership and vision.“So, today governor, I am proud – along with my wife and my son – to join with you and to join your team, to continue moving Kentucky forward," says Abramson, "and I am excited to join with you as the next lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”Beshear said at the press conference he's sure Abramson will overcome prejudices against Louisville sometimes found in the rest of the state."I have no doubt, that as more Kentuckians get to know him - that is beyond the 20-percent of our state that he’s lead for more than two decades – they will love him too," says Beshear, "for his passion, for his commitment to this state and his resolve to find solutions to the great challenges confronting us.”Sixty-two year old Abramson is in his 20th year as mayor of Kentucky’s largest city. His current term ends next year.Beshear needs a running mate in his re-election bid because current Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo is running for the U-S Senate.