By Kathy Groob, Publisher ElectWomen Magazine

ROBIN WEBB WON THE SPECIAL ELECTION BY 282 VOTES.

30 days ago Robin Webb was a hardworking sole practitioner attorney and state representative from Kentucky’s 96^th District in rural Carter County.  That was when Governor Steven Beshear called a special election for an unexpectedly open state senate seat.  Robin Webb dropped everything and jumped in the race for the six-county Senate District #18 that will hold its election this Tuesday, August 25^th.

Earning respect from her fellow legislators and many Kentuckians for her work as first vice-chair of the powerful House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, Robin Webb was qualified and connected enough to quickly organize a 30-day campaign.  Her background as a coalminer turned lawyer has provided her with the physical stamina and mental toughness needed to run a “sprint” race where the stakes are high and time is short to make the case and persuade voters.

The balance of power in Kentucky’s senate rests upon just a few seats. If Robin Webb, a Democrat, wins this open seat, the Republicans would be just two seats shy of losing control of the senate.  Currently the Republicans hold a 20-16-1 advantage and if they lose this seat, they’re looking at 20-17-1 with another GOP senator likely to leave the senate this year to pursue a judicial position.

Both sides have called upon their big guns to help energize voters in Tuesday’s election.  U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has become involved in the race on the Republican side, and the Democrats have lined up six former governors to stump for Webb.  The real challenge is getting people out of their air conditioning in August to go to the polls.

Webb has racked up a slew of endorsements, including local newspapers, former congressman Ken Lucas, former governors, police, teachers, labor and even the NRA (National Rifle Association).

Both sides have spent thousands on television and radio to make sure voters are aware of the election.  Robin Webb has been attacked on everything from her votes in the House to her personal background, even blaming her for federal government spending (despite having nothing to do with anything in Washington).  Webb told the Associated Press, “They have questioned my family, my faith and my integrity,” she said. “That’s a little hard to swallow, but I can handle it.”

To read more or to contribute to Robin Webb’s campaign, visit: http://www.robinwebbforsenate.com/.