GOP brings back former 4th District chairman Kevin Sell to play referee in primary

Campbell County businessman Kevin Sell will return to his former role as Republican Party’s 4th Congressional District chairman at a time when the GOP’s primary for the congressional nomination is heating up.

Sell, who served as 4th District chairman from 2006 to early 2009, takes over for state Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington of Fort Wright. Webb-Edgington resigned the party position in December after announcing her run for the Republican nomination for Congress.

She faces Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore and Lewis County Judge-Executive Thomas Massie in the May 22 primary. Brian Oerther, a teacher and Oldham County resident, also has announced his intent to run.

The Republican Party of Kentucky’s executive committee unanimously approved Sell on a conference call Thursday night, Sell said. Retiring U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis nominated him.

Sell told Pure Politics’ senior reporter Don Weber earlier in the week that serving as chairman of the 4th District would mean trying to keep the peace throughout the Republican primary.

Earlier in the week, the Republican Party of Kentucky’s executive committee voted to suspend a rule that would have prevented Sell from serving again within four years of last holding the position.

As 4th District chairman, Sell also will sit on the state party’s executive committee.