Thieneman Enters Mayor's Race

Louisville developer Chris Thieneman has become the first Republican to announce his candidacy in the mayor's race.Thieneman declared his candidacy this week after deciding to drop a lawsuit over the use of city funds to renovate a bowling alley in 4th Street Live. The renovation has prompted a battle in city government over the power of the mayor's office. Thieneman is campaigning in part on a platform of changing the balance of power to give the Metro Council more authority.Thieneman ran unsuccessfully for Congress last year, and in 2007 he led the successful campaign against the library tax. He's the first Republican to enter the mayor’s race, though councilman Hal Heiner is considering a bid.Metro Council President David Tandy, councilman Jim King and businessman Greg Fischer have all declared their candidacies for mayor as Democrats. Coffee shop owner and professor Nimbus Couzin is running as an independent.All are running to succeed Mayor Jerry Abramson, who is seeking the Lieutenant Governor's post on Governor Steve Beshear's ticket.