By Ed Somers
July 27, 2009

Louisville Mayor Jerry E. Abramson has announced that he will forgo running for a record sixth term as mayor and instead run for lieutenant governor on a Democratic ticket with current Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear in 2011.

Beshear said in an interview that Abramson was his first choice and the only person he approached to be his running mate after he decided in recent weeks to seek a second term.

“Jerry and I have been friends for over 30 years ... he is a proven leader who has been mayor of our largest city for over two decades and has an amazing set of accomplishments,” Beshear said.

Abramson said during a press interview that he is looking for a new challenge after nearly 20 years leading Louisville, having achieved many of his goals.

Current Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo announced in January that he would seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senator Jim Bunning's seat next year and would not run with Beshear in 2011.

Abramson said that he will serve out his term as mayor, which runs through the end of 2010.

Abramson served as President of The U.S. Conference of Mayors from 1993-1994, and received the Conference's highest honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award.