Bob Leeper
American politician (born 1958)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Joseph Leeper (born December 8, 1958) is an American independent politician and chiropractor. He was a member of the Kentucky Senate from 1991 to 2015 retiring to run for McCracken County Judge-Executive.[1][2] In 2014, he was elected Judge-Executive of McCracken County, but chose not to seek reelection in 2018.[3]
Bob Leeper | |
|---|---|
| Judge/Executive of McCracken County | |
| In office January 5, 2015 – January 7, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Van Newberry |
| Succeeded by | Craig Clymer |
| Member of the Kentucky Senate from the 2nd district | |
| In office January 1, 1991 – January 1, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Helen Garrett |
| Succeeded by | Danny Carroll |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert J. Leeper December 8, 1958 |
| Party | Independent (2005–present) |
Other political affiliations | Republican (1999–2005) Democratic (before 1999) |
| Alma mater | Paducah Community College Sherman College of Chiropractic |
| Profession | Chiropractor |
| Website | www.lrc.ky.gov/... |
Education
Leeper attended Paducah Community College and Sherman College of Chiropractic.[4]
Political career
Prior to serving in the Kentucky Senate, Leeper was a city commissioner in Paducah.[5]
Kentucky Senate
Originally a Democrat, Leeper joined the Republican Party in 1999, and became a political independent later in 2005. Leeper has been described as an "ultra-conservative independent", and was known in the legislature for his opposition to expanded gambling.[6] In 2012, he mounted an unsuccessful candidacy to serve as president of the Kentucky Senate.[7] He decided against re-election in 2014 and ran for McCracken County Judge-Executive.
Judge-Executive of McCracken County
In 2014, Leeper was elected Judge-Executive of McCracken County.[8] In 2018, he faced criticism over the termination of Paducah Economic Development president and CEO Scott Darnell, and issued a statement saying he would not answer questions about the matter.[9] He did not seek reelection in 2018.[3]
Honors
In 2020, he was honored with the opening of the Bob Leeper Bridge, a 110-foot pedestrian bridge in McCracken County.[3]
