Democrat Tim Montgomery (left) faces off against Republican Steve Rawlings in the 66th District. Photos provided | Rawlings and Montgomery campaign

Republican Steve Rawlings toppled fellow Republican incumbent Rep. Ed Massey (R-Union) in the May primary. 

Massey — who has represented District 66 since 2019 and previously served on the Boone County board of education and was the House House Judiciary Committee chairman — was easily defeated by challenger Rawlings who tallied 2,695 votes to Massey’s 1,227. 

Now, Rawlings faces a newcomer in Democrat Tim Montgomery. 

Both candidates answered questions about their campaigns ahead of the election. Here are their answers, which have been edited for clarity. 

Tell us about your campaign and why you’re running

Steve Rawlings (SR): I am running because our government has taken too much power at the federal and state levels. In our Commonwealth, the Kentucky governor seized an opportunity and took unprecedented actions, including shutting down small businesses, restaurants, and churches, all while keeping big box stores open. The governor overreached by taking away liberties and freedoms of the people. Many legislators (in both parties) and judges were complicit in taking or allowing unconstitutional actions against the people of the state. I am running to restore constitutional principles, and to return power to “We the People” as set forth in our founding documents.

Tim Montgomery (TM): My campaign is to promote legislation that will benefit Kentucky’s working families and retirees. I also believe that every child deserves a good education, and I stand firmly behind Kentucky teachers.

I chose to run when I saw the overdevelopment in my district and Boone County. I am not opposed to development, but it has to be carefully planned while keeping what makes this area a place families want to live.

What will you bring to the table as a legislator?

TM: Experience to the table is what I have. I am a Teamster Vice President with six years of representation.

SR: I will bring honor, integrity, and commitment to the office of State Representative. I will fight for transparency and accountability in governing. I will make efforts to expose corruption, overspending, and the bloat in bureaucracy. I will honor God and the voters’ best interests in the community and the state.

How are you different than your opponent? 

SR: The opposing party has taken dictatorial actions to grow federal government and bureaucracy, to take away power from the people, and to intrude upon every aspect of our daily lives. I am different because I know that big government is not the answer to today’s problems. The issues that are most important to the vast majority of voters in my district and in Kentucky are also important to me. The values of property rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are fundamental rights that need to be returned to “We the People.” I will pursue actions that return power to the people and make legislative efforts to limit the size and scope of government. 

TM: I was born and raised in Kentucky, 21 years in the county, knowing the issues we face.

I am an Air Force Veteran, Kentucky Colonel, and Moonlite Hunting & Fishing Club member. I am endorsed by Kentucky State AFL/CIO, Kentucky Education PAC, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Kentucky Women’s Network PAC, UAW Community Action Program, and International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local Lodge 40.

To learn more about Steve Rawlings, visit his website. To learn more about Tim Montgomery, visit his website. 

Mark Payne is the government and politics reporter for LINK nky. Email him at mpayne@linknky.com. Twitter.