Kentucky Second District Congressman Brett Guthrie announced he is running for re-election next year, but made it clear he is bypassing a bid for governor in 2015.Guthrie is a Republican from Bowling Green who has represented the district covering parts of western and central Kentucky since January 2009."We are fighting in Washington to balance the federal budget, to cut wasteful spending, and to create an environment where small businesses can create good paying jobs," he says. "My work in Congress is all about providing opportunity. I am passionate about improving the economy, cultivating educational opportunity for people of all ages, and getting our nation’s finances under control."The GOP lawmaker was a top contender for the party's nomination in the 2015 gubernatorial contest. But Guthrie clarified he is not interested in statewide office and will keep his full attention on representing the state in Washington."I am not running for any state office in 2015, although I was humbled by the number of people who asked me to run for governor," he says. "I went to Washington solve big problems and to leave a better America behind for the next generation. I’ve spent every day doing that and I feel that my time and energy is best spent on solving the big financial and economic problems we face as a nation."Guthrie says he believes the state GOP has many candidates to choose from to deal with issues such as Medicaid expansion, public pensions and education.The Guthrie campaign also launched an online video attacking President Obama and the "mess in Washington."Watch:The Guthrie campaign reports it has just over $1 million in cash-on-hand.Democrat Ron Leach announced last week he is seeking his party's nominationto take on Guthrie in 2014.
