Wallace G. Wilkinson

Wallace Glenn Wilkinson ( born December 12, 1941 at Casey County, Kentucky; † July 5, 2002 in Lexington, Kentucky ) was an American politician and governor of the state of Kentucky.

Early years and political rise

Wilkinson visited the Liberty High School, graduating in 1959. He then studied at the University of Kentucky. During his studies he founded, along with his wife Martha, the "Kentucky Paperback Gallery" in Lexington. At first it was a small bookstore very soon developed into a large library, which in many states had branches. Over the years, Wilkinson expanded his business interests to the export and import trade, the real estate market, agriculture, banking and construction.

Governor of Kentucky

In 1987, Wilkinson applied as an unknown outsider in the Democratic Party for the nomination for the office of governor of Kentucky. He had to prevail within his party against the former Governors Julian Carroll and John Y. Brown. He won the election itself then confidently against Republican John R. Harper 64.9 % to 35.1% of the vote. One of his began on 8 December 1987 term of office was on the education system. At that time the "Kentucky Education Act " was enacted a law to improve the education system. At the same time a state lottery was introduced, the proceeds of which were also supplied to the education system. The governor promoted the economic development of rural areas. He campaigned against alcohol and drug abuse and advocating environmental protection. Wilkinson was also a member of several joint committees of the Southern States, in which common political and economic interests were discussed. A constitutional amendment sought for Kentucky was rejected by the House of Representatives. The reason was the term of office of the Governor. His proposal would have two related terms allows a governor, which would have found the approval of the Members, but Wilkinson insisted that this clause should apply the same for him. The rejected the chamber. When the next elections queuing, so trying to win the nomination of the party his wife Martha. This attempt had already failed in the primaries.

This behavior of the Wilkinsons is also associated with strong differences as its Vice- Governor Brereton Jones. The two men had a very bad personal relationship and Wilkinson wanted to stop by a second term for himself or through his wife a possible election victory of Jones. On 10 December 1991 ended his term in office and his old adversary Jones was sworn in as his successor.

Further CV

Since the early 1990s had Wilkinson both health and financial problems. In March 1991, a lymph node disease was found in him. His once thriving businesses, including the library, were insolvent and Wilkinson was on the verge of bankruptcy. His health deteriorated rapidly. He eventually died on 5 July 2005., With his wife Martha he had two children.