PADUCAH, Ky. -- The Kentucky State AFL-CIO is expected to endorse Will Coursey for the state House of Representatives. “Will received our unanimous recommendation for endorsement,” said Jeff Wiggins, president of the Paducah-based Western Kentucky Area Council, AFL-CIO. “We are confident the state AFL-CIO will agree with us.”

Coursey, a 29-year-old Benton banker, is the Democratic candidate in the Feb. 5 special election to fill the unexpired term of State Rep. J.R. Gray, Kentucky’s newly-named commissioner of labor. Coursey sought labor support at the January meeting of the council, which represents several area unions. “It won’t be my last visit – not by a long shot,” promised Coursey. "I won't be a stranger."

The candidate added, “I know I’ve got some awfully big shoes to fill because J.R. Gray was labor’s strongest supporter in Frankfort. But give me a chance, and I will be just as strong on labor issues as he was.” Gray has deep union roots. He was directing business representative for Machinists District Lodge 154 in Calvert City for 19 years.

Benny Adair, council vice president, holds Gray’s old union job. He proposed that the council recommend Coursey for endorsement. Delegate Randy Gray, J.R. Gray’s son, seconded Adair.

 Coursey lives in Elva in Marshall County. He said he grew up in a union family. "I understand union issues. I will never support the so-called right-to-work. I am for the prevailing wage, and I am for collective bargaining rights for public employees. I will work hard to gain the trust that unions put in J.R. Gray when he was in the General Assembly."

Gray recently resigned his Sixth District House seat to become state labor commissioner. A Benton Democrat, he spent 26 years in the legislature. State law requires a special election to fill out the unexpired term of a lawmaker. Marvin Wilson, an Eddyville attorney, is Coursey’s Republican opponent. “Marvin Wilson is wrong on our issues,” said Wiggins, a Steelworker who is also on the state AFL-CIO Executive Board. “He supports right-to-work for less, and he is for gutting the prevailing wage law.” Gray defeated Wilson in 2004 and 2006.

“My opponent has run twice, and he’s been beaten twice,” Coursey said. “He has been consistent, I’ll give him that. I’m going to see that he maintains that consistency.” However, Coursey said he is taking nothing for granted. “I plan to work hard to gain the confidence of the people of our district that J.R. had and deservedly so. “But the ‘W’ in Wilson stands for wrong. Marvin Wilson is wrong for labor, wrong for this district, and he is wrong for Kentucky.”

On the other hand, Gray, according to Coursey, “was a true champion of the working men and women not only in the Sixth District but across the state. I think he will make a fantastic labor commissioner and labor secretary, and I commend Gov. [Steve] Beshear for appointing him.” Gray is expected to become labor secretary in April when Beshear restores the Labor Cabinet by executive order. “I am also a product of union wages,” Coursey said. “My mother, Lisa McIntyre, is a member of Steelworkers Local 1-102-A. My father, Larry Coursey, who has passed away, was a member of Operating Engineers Local 181. My grandfather, Randall Coursey, who is also with the Lord now, was business agent for Local 181.”

Coursey’s grandson was House Speaker Jody Richards’ executive officer for almost six years before he returned to his native Marshall County and went to work at the Community Financial Services Bank in Benton, the county seat. Coursey is a lending officer. He said he also handles public relations for the bank. “I think I will bring youth, experience and enthusiasm to the office of state representative,” he said. “I have also been told by the House leadership that when I am elected I will also be given significant rank on the House Labor and Industry Committee, which J.R. ably chaired for most of his time in Frankfort.”

Gray represented Marshall and Lyon counties and a small part of McCracken County. “I look forward to serving the people as J.R. did so well for so long,” Coursey said. Meanwhile, Coursey said he has lined up veteran Democratic strategist and consultant Kim Geveden to advise his campaign. Kyle Henderson, business agent for Paducah Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 184, is also helping Coursey. “We’re going to have some great radio and TV spots,” the candidate said. “Gov. Beshear and Speaker Richards are going to cut some good spots for me. We’re going to get our message out.” Bringing good industrial jobs to western Kentucky was part of Coursey’s message to Area Council delegates.

“If you will send me to the House of Representatives, I will fight tooth and nail to keep our best and brightest young people right here in western Kentucky,” he said. “I will do what I can do to recruit jobs and industry and maintain the jobs we have.” He asked delegates “humbly and cap-in-hand” for their support. “I appreciate you, and I need you, Coursey said. “The Republican Party, prior to the gubernatorial election said that organized labor in Kentucky was on its last legs. They were mistaken. Without organized labor’s help, Steven Beshear and Daniel Mongiardo would not be governor and lieutenant governor today, and I say that with all sincerity.”