Some 18-20 years ago, it was not uncommon to hear the phrase "put in Richie" while tuned in to former Kentucky basketball coach Rick Pitino's radio call-in show. It was as if all of Eastern Kentucky had a direct line to the radio station, and the contrast of accents between the callers and Pitino would ensue. Pitino was as patient and kind as he could be, in light of a 7-points per game career scoring average for his reserve guard, one Richard Dwight Farmer, Jr.
Those Eastern Kentuckians who followed Farmer's high school basketball career for the Clay County Tigers - one that included a state championship, a Mr. Basketball award, and arguably the greatest scoring performance in Kentucky Sweet Sixteen history - thought he only needed playing time to prove himself at the collegiate level. In the end, at 6'0" and not particularly fleet of foot, Farmer was in over his head at UK, the only "Unforgettable" who was not a regular starter.
Fast forward to present day, when some are echoing those callers to Rick Pitino's radio show, by supporting Farmer in a potential run for Governor. Since receiving his degree from UK with a double major in agricultural economics and agribusiness management, Farmer has sold insurance and now serves as Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner. In his second and final term, Farmer is the only current Republican besides Trey Grayson to be elected to statewide office. Quite significant following the turmoil that ruined most recent GOP Governor Ernie Fletcher.
The Big Blue Nation still loves them some Richie Farmer. And I suspect many around the Bluegrass State would vote for Richie Farmer if he ran for President - of the Universe. Never mind his only notable accomplishment as Agricultural Commissioner might likely be those quaint "Kentucky Proud" ads in which Farmer appears with his fellow Unforgettable's. You might also have noticed Farmer's name on the gas pump the last time you filled up. The Agricultural Commissioner inspects them.
Whether Farmer can do the job of governor is doubtful, particularly in light of his lack of executive experience. And try to find a clip of the man speaking publicly on YouTube. You won't. The last time I heard Farmer even talk to the media, following the 2007 election, he butchered the English language so badly Rick Pitino wanted to bench him in favor of Gimel Martinez. But since when did Kentucky voters require their elected leaders be able to communicate? Or balance a budget? Or pass worthwhile legislation? Or . . .
Farmer couldn't do on the basketball court in college what he did in high school, and he won't do as Governor what he's done as Agricultural Commissioner. Which isn't anything to speak of. To "put Richie in" the highest office in Kentucky would be like suiting up Steve Beshear in place of John Wall. Come to think of it, Kentuckians will forgive a politician for being, well, a politician. But the Big Blue Nation has no tolerance for failure from its basketball stars. Thus, I predict Richie Farmer will be Kentucky's next Governor in a landslide!
Some 18-20 years ago, it was not uncommon to hear the phrase "put in Richie" while tuned in to former Kentucky basketball coach Rick Pitino's radio call-in show. It was as if all of Eastern Kentucky had a direct line to the radio station, and the contrast of accents between the callers and Pitino would ensue. Pitino was as patient and kind as he could be, in light of a 7-points per game career scoring average for his reserve guard, one Richard Dwight Farmer, Jr.
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Jorge Pancho