A Bowling Green state representative announced his candidacy for governor yesterday morning at the Warren County courthouse.

House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said he’ll run for the state’s top executive spot. His running mate is John Y. Brown III, the son of former Gov. John Y. Brown Jr.

Richards said education will be a priority for him if he becomes governor. Richards has a long history with Western as a former journalism faculty member and former Herald adviser.

“My love and devotion for Western has never waned,” Richards said.

The speaker said that if elected he’d continue working with Western to get more projects and funding to enhance the university.

Richards said he’d work with President Gary Ransdell to enhance campus improvements and continue funding for the Kentucky Academy of Math and Science, a program in development for gifted high-school students.

Ransdell declined to comment about the governor’s race.

Richards has served in the state House of Representatives since 1976, and he’s been speaker since 1995, the longest-running career as House speaker in Kentucky history. He also owns Superior Books in Bowling Green.

Richards’ older brother also has ties to Western.

Jim Richards worked for Western for 27 years, serving as head men’s basketball coach, director of alumni affairs and athletic director, among other positions. He is now retired.

The speaker’s brother said Jody Richards is loyal to the Western and Bowling Green community, knowledgeable about state government – and a good guy.

“He better be a real good guy because I whipped his head every morning when we woke up trying to make him a better person,” Jim said.

Brown said his running mate is qualified to be governor and is “the only candidate who has the capacity to be a truly great governor.”

Brown served as Kentucky’s secretary of state from 1996 until 2004.

Western graduate and former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry has also filed for the office. Henry is a member of Western’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Other Democratic candidates include former Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear, state Treasurer Jonathan Miller, Harlan demolition contractor Otis Hensley and Lexington lawyer Gatewood Galbraith.

Republican candidates include Gov. Ernie Fletcher, former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup and Paducah businessman Billy Harper.

Reach Alex Fontana at news@wkuherald.com.