Special session could loom for Ky. legislature

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Gov. Steve Beshear's administration is not ruling out a possible special session later this year to address special legislation needed in Kentucky's attempt to lure a Harley Davidson motorcycle plant, his office said Thursday.

If Beshear does call a session later this year, it would deal exclusively with economic development, he said in a statement.

"We are making plans related to this project and don't know if there will be a need for a special session at this juncture," he said in the statement. "However, if there is a need for any kind of economic development project to be addressed by a special session, it would certainly be the only item on the agenda."

Harley Davidson announced earlier this month it was considering the Shelbyville site for relocating its York, Pa. Company spokesman Bob Klein has said the company is also considering the possibility of staying in York.

The plant has about 2,500 employees, but it's uncertain how many jobs would possibly come to Kentucky.

Klein did not return calls Thursday seeking comment.

Beshear says he's "very excited" by the possibility of Harley Davidson opening a facility in Kentucky.

State Rep. David Floyd, a Bardstown Republican, said Beshear met with House leaders earlier this month about the possibility of a special session. Floyd, who is the House Republican whip, said if there is a special session he expects it to start in mid-December, the week before Christmas.

Floyd said he expects Pennsylvania would "vigorously try to retain them" but Kentucky offers an opportunity for a new building instead of a refurbished facility.

"If we have a special session, it will be necessary because Harley Davidson has made a decision to come to Kentucky, and we'll need to pass the economic incentives package that will bring them here," Floyd said.

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