Borders Named To PSC

A gubernatorial appointment means the Republican-controlled Kentucky Senate now has one less Republican.Longtime Senate Appropriations and Revenue committee chairman Charlie Borders is now a member of the Kentucky Public Service Commission. The 61-year old Republican is Gov. Steve Beshear’s choice to replace John Clay, whose term expired. Borders says he wasn’t recruited for the post. He sought it.“Any and all meetings have been initiated by me. And I really have an appreciation for the governor having the respect for me and my background to allow me to come over here and have the opportunity to serve with Chairman Armstrong and Commissioner Gardner," he says.Gov. Beshear immediately called a special election to fill the remainder of Borders’ term, which expires at the end of next year. Party officials will pick the nominees. Sen. Bob Leeper is replacing Borders as head of the budget committee. Borders’ departure means Republicans now hold a 20-16 majority in the Senate, with one independent.